Did you know that only 7% of British men are comfortable discussing their health issues openly? Men’s Health Week aims to change that by raising awareness of health concerns that affect men disproportionately.
This year, MindfulnessUK is proud to partner with Alex Cunningham and special guests Loti Nambombe, Mohammed A. Mamaniat and Chris Robilliard in a session dedicated to men’s health, that will look at the best tools and influences as learned through the panel’s lived experience, and discuss some of the many bumps along the way.
In this powerful webinar, we will look at what role mindfulness and being more mindful in daily life have to play in this journey, how to make this valuable work approachable and accessible and share practical tips, and discuss the importance of creating a safe space for men to talk about their mental health. There will also be a Q&A session to address any questions you may have.
🔒 Please note that this is a men’s only event, open to anyone who identifies as male. We want to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all participants. However, we will share a recording of the session for those who are interested in learning more about Men’s Health (rest assured, we do not record personal questions or information).
Join us for this FREE webinar about men’s mental health
Alex Cunningham is a renowned wellbeing trainer, mindfulness and compassion teacher, and a facilitator of true story workshops and events. With a background in sales, he discovered his true passion lies in helping individuals embrace their uniqueness while recognizing their shared experiences with others.
Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to engage in an important conversation surrounding men’s health. Register now to secure your spot! 👇
Want to attend more events like Mindfulness for Men?Join the MindfulnessUK Community to get exclusive access to events, resources and sitting groups.
Tips and Strategies for Turning Your Mindfulness Side Hustle into the Main Event
Mindfulness teaching can be a rewarding and fulfilling career, helping others to manage stress, anxiety, and other challenges. Many mindfulness teachers start their teaching journey as a side hustle while working in other jobs, but with dedication and effort, it’s possible to turn this side hustle into a full-time career.
Here are some tips to help you turn your mindfulness teaching side hustle into a successful career:
1. Set Clear Goals
The first step in turning your mindfulness teaching side hustle into a career is to set clear goals. Think about where you want to be in two, five or ten years, and what steps you need to take to get there.
For example, you may need to invest in further training or certification, increase your teaching hours, or develop your marketing skills. Setting clear goals will help you stay focused and motivated as you work towards building a successful mindfulness teaching career.
2. Develop Your Skills
To establish yourself as a reputable mindfulness teacher, it’s important to invest in your skills and knowledge. Consider taking advanced mindfulness training programs, attending workshops, or seeking mentorship from experienced teachers.
Developing your skills will not only improve your teaching abilities but also help you stand out in a competitive marketplace and attract more clients.
3. Create a Business Plan
A successful mindfulness teaching career requires a solid business plan. This includes identifying your target audience, developing a marketing strategy, and creating a budget for your business.
Consider creating a website or social media profile to promote your services, as well as developing a pricing strategy and plan for growth. A solid business plan will help you stay organised and focused as you work towards building a successful mindfulness teaching career.
4. Invest in Your Business
As you build your mindfulness teaching career, it’s important to invest in your business to maximise your potential for success. This includes investing in marketing, networking, and continuing education.
One way to invest in your business is by taking a business development e-course, such as this one offered by MindfulnessUK. This course provides you with the necessary skills and knowledge to develop and grow your mindfulness teaching practice.
Turning your mindfulness teaching side hustle into a successful career requires dedication, effort, and a solid business plan. By investing in your skills, creating a business plan, and continuing to learn and grow, you can establish yourself as a reputable and successful mindfulness teacher.
To take your career to the next level, consider purchasing MindfulnessUK’s Business Development e-course. This course provides you with the necessary skills and knowledge to develop and grow your mindfulness teaching practice. Click here to learn more and purchase the e-course today.
Mindfulness has been gaining popularity in recent years as a tool for reducing stress and promoting well-being. But can mindfulness really help with reducing staff sickness rates?
The short answer is: yes.
Mindfulness has been shown to have significant benefits for both physical and mental health, making it a valuable tool for employers who want to promote a healthy and productive workforce.
Physical Health Benefits of Mindfulness
One of the main ways that mindfulness can help reduce staff sickness rates is by promoting physical health. Stress is a leading cause of many health problems, including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and weakened immune systems. Mindfulness has been shown to be effective in reducing stress levels1, which can have a significant impact on physical health outcomes.
In addition to reducing stress, mindfulness can also promote better sleep2 and healthier eating habits3, both of which are important for maintaining good physical health. Studies have shown that people who practise mindfulness are more likely to eat a healthy diet and engage in regular exercise because they feel more connected to their bodies, things we know can help reduce the risk of a range of health problems.
Mental Health Benefits of Mindfulness
Mindfulness has also been shown to have significant benefits for mental health. It can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improve overall mood and well-being1. This is particularly important in the workplace, where stress and burnout are common.
By promoting well-being and creating a more supportive culture, mindfulness can help reduce staff sickness rates by preventing mental health problems from developing or worsening. This can lead to a more productive and engaged workforce, with lower rates of absenteeism and presenteeism.
How to Promote Mindfulness And Reduce Absenteeism
If you’re interested in promoting mindfulness in your workplace, consider joining MindfulnessUK’s JOY programme®, a train-the-trainer style programme that equips your team with the skills, knowledge and passion to create and maintain a culture of mindfulness in your organisation.
So yes, mindfulness canbe an extremely valuable tool for reducing staff sickness rates in the workplace. By promoting physical and mental health, mindfulness can help prevent health problems from developing or worsening, leading to a healthier and more productive workforce.
References:
Clinical Psychology Review, Volume 33, Issue 6, August 2013, Pages 763-771, Mindfulness-based therapy: a comprehensive meta-analysis, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23796855/
Did you know that employee well-being isn’t just about *avoiding* poor mental health (although we know that’s extremely important too)?
What companies tend to overlook is that employee well-being is about *creating* an environment where employees can thrive and experience genuine joy in their work and personal lives. It’s a holistic concept that encompasses both mental and emotional health and the creation of fulfilling, joyful experiences.
So while employee assistance programmes and mental health first aid training are powerful and important tools for any organisation, they alone cannot significantly improve well-being.
What we need to consider is how to create joy in the everyday.
So why should joy be at the heart of your company’s People Strategy in 2023?
1. Joyful employees are more engaged
When employees are happy and fulfilled, they’re more likely to be engaged in their work. They’ll be more productive, more creative, and more committed to the company’s goals. This means that investing in employee happiness can pay dividends in the form of increased productivity, better quality work, and improved customer satisfaction.
2. Joyful employees are more loyal
Happy employees are more likely to stay with a company for the long term, reducing the costs associated with turnover and recruitment. This can have a significant impact on the bottom line, as the cost of replacing an employee can be as high as two times their salary.
3. Joyful employees create a positive company culture
A positive company culture is essential for attracting and retaining top talent. When employees are happy, they’re more likely to share their positive experiences with others, which can help to build a strong employer brand. A positive culture can also help to improve teamwork, collaboration, and communication, leading to better outcomes for the company.
4. Joyful employees are healthier
Studies show that happy employees are healthier employees, with lower rates of absenteeism and higher levels of energy and motivation. A healthy workforce can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall productivity.
So how can companies create a more joyful workforce? Here are a few tips:
1. Prioritise work-life balance
Encourage staff to take time off when they need it and to prioritise their personal lives. This can help to reduce stress and burnout, leading to happier, more fulfilled employees.
2. Create a positive company culture
Encourage teamwork, collaboration, and open communication. Find ways to recognize and reward employees for their hard work and contributions, and celebrate successes together.
3. Offer opportunities for growth and development
Provide employees with opportunities to learn and grow, whether through training programs, mentorship, or promotions. This can help to keep employees engaged and motivated.
4. Invest in employee well-being
Offer wellness programs, such MindfulnessUK’s THE JOY PROGRAMME to support employee well-being. This can help to reduce stress, improve overall health and build happiness both in and outside of the workplace.
By now, we all know that employee well-being is important. But are you prioritising the creation of joy in 2023?
By focusing on employee happiness and well-being, companies can create a more engaged, loyal, and productive workforce, leading to better outcomes for the company and its employees.
Here at MindfulnessUK, we know that getting a good night’s sleep is essential for your mental and physical wellbeing. But it’s not always that easy.
From stress and anxiety to physical discomfort and restless thoughts, many people struggle to find the peace and relaxation needed to drift off into a deep slumber.
Fortunately, there are several mindfulness techniques that can be effective in promoting relaxation and helping you to sleep better. While techniques such as body scan and deep breathing are often discussed in relation to sleep, there are other, slightly less common techniques that can be just as helpful.
Here are three techniques that might help you sleep better:
1. Gratitude Practice
Gratitude practice is an excellent way to cultivate feelings of positivity and contentment, which can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation. This exercise involves taking a few minutes before going to sleep to reflect on the things in your life that you are grateful for. You can do this exercise by making a mental list of three things that you are thankful for, or by keeping a gratitude journal next to your bed and writing down three things each night. Focusing on positive aspects of your life can help you feel more relaxed and content, which can make it easier to fall asleep.
2. Awareness of Distant Sounds Practice
Awareness of distant sounds practice is a mindfulness technique that involves intentionally focusing on the sounds around you, including those that are far away or barely audible. By paying attention to these sounds without judgment or distraction, you can cultivate a greater sense of mindfulness and awareness in your daily life. And when it comes to sleep, awareness of distant sounds can help create a more peaceful and calming environment by reducing the impact of unexpected or disruptive noises, allowing you to fall asleep more easily and enjoy a more restful night’s sleep.
3. Loving-Kindness Meditation
Loving-kindness meditation is a technique that involves cultivating feelings of love, compassion, and kindness towards yourself and others. This technique can be particularly helpful for those who struggle with anxious or restless thoughts that keep them awake at night. Start by sitting comfortably with your eyes closed, and bring to mind someone you love and care about deeply. Next, repeat a series of phrases silently to yourself, such as ‘may you be happy, may you be healthy, may you be safe, may you live with ease’. After a few minutes, switch to focusing on yourself and repeat the same phrases. This practice can help to reduce stress and promote feelings of warmth and wellbeing, which can make it easier to fall asleep.
If you’re struggling to sleep, it may be worth trying some of these less common mindfulness techniques to help you drift off into a deep slumber.
By incorporating practices such as gratitude, awareness of distant sounds, and loving-kindness meditation into your bedtime routine, you may find that you’re able to sleep more soundly and wake up feeling more refreshed and energised.
You can find some free guided versions of these practices on our Resources page.
