![]() ![]() ![]() Meditation comes under the umbrella of ‘mindfulness’ which is a broader concept. Mindfulness simply means being aware of the present moment. ‘Mindfulness’ as a term has become ubiquitous in recent times. Previously practised primarily in the Eastern traditions, meditation has spread into Western society and is increasingly being used as a therapeutic modality. Meditation in its many guises has been practised over millennia by diverse groups of people in many different traditions. Meditation usually refers to a formal practice that can calm the mind and enhance awareness of ourselves, our minds and our environment. These terms are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences between the two. ![]() Meditation and mindfulness are terms that have crept into mainstream culture. Yet, despite the despair, the fear and the anxiety, there have been glimpses of a world with an increased sense of community and kindness. Add financial and employment instability into the mix and we have a society structure that is challenged. Older people have been cocooned away and may have lost not only external support but may have the perception that once you are over 70 you are deemed vulnerable and no longer useful. Children and adolescents have lost the structure provided by school and may have their own worries and fears, with loss of support external to their own families. Household units are living in pressured environments, not used to spending so much time in small spaces. Carers may have an additional burden of care with loss of any time to themselves and loss of supports. People with substance abuse may turn increasingly to whatever they can obtain to manage their own addiction. Patients with pre-existing anxiety, depression or psychosis may feel overwhelmed by additional worry or fear. Healthcare workers may be overwhelmed, busy, fearful, coping and dividing their lives. Introducing a mindfulness and meditation practice during this pandemic has the potential to complement treatment and is a low-cost beneficial method of providing support with anxiety for all.ĭuring the global pandemic, we have all had to change how we live and work. Mindfulness and meditation practices translate well to different populations across the lifespan and range of ability. Structural and functional brain changes have been demonstrated in the brains of people with a long-term traditional meditation practice, and in people who have completed a MBSR programme. Systematic reviews of such practices have shown improvements in measures of anxiety, depression and pain scores. While there are many forms of meditation and mindfulness, of particular interest to healthcare professionals are those with an evidence base such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). Meditation and mindfulness are practices that can support healthcare professionals, patients, carers and the general public during times of crisis such as the current global pandemic caused by COVID-19. ![]()
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