The Science of Happiness

What is Mindfulness?Changes and Challenges in our livesStress ManagementBenefits of MindfulnessGuided Mindfulness practiceTips to cultivate Mindfulness

OVERVIEW

WHAT IS MINDFULNESS?

MIND WANDERINGStudy of 15,000 people by Matt Killingsworth:47% of the time we are thinking something else than what we are currently doingStrong relationship between mind-wandering now and being unhappy a short time later

DEFINITION

WHY DO WE NEED MINDFULNESS?

CHALLENGES Information overload & fast pace livingAnxiety, stress and burnoutSleep deprivation & exhaustion

TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGES

HOW TO USE TECHNOLOGY BETTER?Reflect on your usage of technology & acknowledge if you use it too muchStart and end your day mindfully without technologyConnect to people without devicesTechnology etiquette in the classroom

MULTITASKING

EFFECTIVE ATTENTION SWITCHINGResearch: Our brains can focus on 1 thing at a timeSimple versus Complex Multitasking Multitasking increases stress, fatigue and reduces performanceEffective attention switching: Doing one thing at a time with full attention and presence

STRESS

STRESS RESPONSE IN THE BRAIN

STRESS MANAGEMENT

BENEFITS OF MINDFULNESSClinical research shows effectiveness of mindfulness in:Reducing psychological stress, anxiety, depression and pain (Goyal et.al. 2014; Hofmann et.al. 2010)Enhancing cognitive performance (concentration & memory) & emotional intelligenceIncreasing resilience and self-awarenessImproving relationships, happiness & overall well-being

Companies invest in Mindfulness

Video Mindfulness & Brain

GUIDED MEDITATION

TIPSKindness and CompassionDo what excites youI wish Id had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me. - Bronnie WareLive FearlesslyPractice Mindfulness

MORE INFORMATIONwww.consciousbeginnings.com.auwww.meetup.com/West-End-Mindfulness-Circle

POEM BY RUMI