1. 1 Mindfulness Living and working in the present June 2016

2. 2 What is mindfulness? "Paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment, and non judgmentally.“ -- Jon Kabat-Zinn Mindfulness means: Choosing something to focus your attention. Notice your thoughts without responding or judging them. Be aware of the current moment.

3. 3 How mindfulness works Our brains process information from the senses, making plans and processing memories. Focusing on the past or future exacerbates feelings of stress and unhappiness. Focusing on the present improves attention and problem-solving and tempers emotional reactions.

4. 4 The benefits of mindfulness Relieves stress Lowers blood pressure Reduces chronic pain Improves sleep Alleviates depression and anxiety Regulates emotions more effectively Boosts compassion Improve relationships

5. 5 Mindfulness in long-term care Nursing assistants frequently cope with on-the-job stress. Stress leads to distraction, unhappiness and health problems. Focusing on the present moment helps alleviate stress and prevent burnout. CNAs who practice mindfulness are more likely to connect with residents. Mindfulness can help caregivers notice changes in health status.

6. 6 How to take a belly breath Find a comfortable place to sit with your back erect. Place a hand on your belly and notice your breath. Breathe in through your nose fully until you feel small balloon in your belly. Move your hands to your rib cage and fill it with breath Move your hand to your chest to feel the breath there. T Continue to slowly fill your torso with air — from the belly up to the top of the lungs — and then exhale all of the air out

7. 7 Mindfulness exercises As you walk down the hallway, focus your attention on the soles of the feet. Feel each part of your foot as you place it on the floor — the heel, the arches, the ball and the toes. Practice giving your whole attention to the resident you are caring for. Listen to what he is saying without judgment and take the time to notice small details about the person. Find small moments in your daily life when you can pause to take a belly breath, for example when your car is stopped at a red light.