Did you know that what we think about has a bigger impact on our happiness than what we are doing?
Yep, we are at our happiest when we are focused on the present moment, regardless of whether we are doing something we love or are stuck in traffic.
To take advantage of this we can learn to be present more often through the act of practising mindfulness.
In today’s episode we will look at a study of happiness, studies into mindfulness and the impact it has on our brains and of course how you can practise mindfulness: There are loads of options so I hope you will find a way to give it a try!
Here's the free mindfulness-based guided relaxation I promised to share in the episode. With this recording you will reset your nervous system, refresh your mind and come back to the present moment feeling clear-headed and ready for whatever you have next, all in under 10 minutes! Perfect to prep for a tricky meeting or to clear your mind before focused work or even to clear your mind of work stuff before unwinding with loved ones. Here it is:
https://hannahholden.co.uk/atdeskrelaxation
About Hannah Holden:
Hannah Holden is an ex-Management Consultant, burnout survivor and burnout specialist. She helps consultants to rebuild their energy level and get intentional about their choices, so they can avoid and overcome burnout and get back to loving life.
References:
Bradt, S. (2010), Wandering mind not a happy mind. The Harvard Gazette. Viewed 16 May 2023, <https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2010/11/wandering-mind-not-a-happy-mind/>
McGreevey, S. (2011), Eight weeks to a better brain. The Harvard Gazette. Viewed 16 May 2023, <https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2011/01/eight-weeks-to-a-better-brain/>
Hölzel BK, Carmody J, Evans KC, Hoge EA, Dusek JA, Morgan L, Pitman RK, Lazar SW. Stress reduction correlates with structural changes in the amygdala. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci. 2010 Mar;5(1):11-7. Viewed 16 May 2023, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2840837/>
Hölzel BK, Carmody J, Vangel M, Congleton C, Yerramsetti SM, Gard T, Lazar SW. Mindfulness practice leads to increases in regional brain gray matter density. Psychiatry Res. 2011 Jan 30;191(1):36-43. Viewed 16 May 2023, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3004979/>
Mrazek MD, Franklin MS, Phillips DT, Baird B, Schooler JW. Mindfulness training improves working memory capacity and GRE performance while reducing mind wandering. Psychol Sci. 2013 May;24(5):776-81. Viewed 16 May 2023, <https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23538911/>
McConville J, McAleer R, Hahne A. Mindfulness Training for Health Profession Students-The Effect of Mindfulness Training on Psychological Well-Being, Learning and Clinical Performance of Health Professional Students: A Systematic Review of Randomized and Non-randomized Controlled Trials. Explore (NY). 2017 Jan-Feb;13(1):26-45. Viewed 16 May 2023, <https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27889445/>
