Workplace Mindfulness

Mindfulness in the Human Care Workplace

With the fast pace of life these days, many of us can feel overwhelmed and under pressure. Studies show that stress can negatively affect our decision-making skills, creativity, as well as our ability to work well with others. The current worldwide pandemic has further catapulted many individuals, teams and organisations into much higher levels of stress, overwhelm and anxiety, than even this fast paced environment of working with others is used to. It is more critical than ever now that those working in early years childcare, social care, disability, social welfare, education, medical care, pastoral, community development, policing, emergency services, and eldercare settings are supported to develop strong self-regulation, and resilience skills.

By learning evidence-based mindfulness practices individuals, teams and whole organisations working in the area of human care will know how to respond more wisely rather than reacting to stressful situations. They will know how to remain strong and grounded, while also having clear boundaries and a commitment to self-care.

My professional background is in human care work where I have many years of experience working initially as a front-line worker, then team leader and manager, and later as an external consultant across a wide range of human care organisations. In fact, my initial explorations in mindfulness began with my coming close to burnout myself as a result of my commitment to and passion for this human care work. So I have been there.

I have since completed an MSc in Mindfulness-Based Interventions including an analysis of the emerging meta-studies showing how mindfulness is a skill that can be learned even in a fast-paced work environment, and which has been shown to be very impactful in managing stress. This year (2020) a meta-analysis of 78 randomised controlled trials conducted between 1989 and 2019, with almost 6,000 participants, showed mindfulness-based interventions significantly improved attention, memory, and processing speed. As a professionally trained and accredited mindfulness teacher, I am delighted to be a full member of the Mindfulness Teachers Association of Ireland where my accreditation certifies that I have been properly trained, am bound by ethical standards, and receive ongoing supervision. I am also a fully accredited member of the Supervisors Association of Ireland where I enjoy contributing to the ongoing professionalization of mindfulness through mentoring and supporting other mindfulness teachers.

Over recent months I have developed some meditation & mindfulness training courses specifically for the human care workplace. These interventions come from a place of deep understanding of human care work and are simple, practical, and accessible to all. These courses are offered via online live stream or as self-paced video programmes.

GET IN TOUCH WITH ME TODAY

To discuss the current wellbeing needs of your particular workplace and how I can develop a specific intervention to best respond to this need in a way that fits your particular organisational culture.