Introduction To Mindfulness For The UC Santa Barbara Study

This is a brief introduction to mindfulness, designed for participants in the UC Santa Barbara Student Success Study. We discuss what mindfulness is, some of its benefits, and different ways we can practice mindfulness.

Transcript

Hello and welcome to the UC Santa Barbara Student Success Study. My name is Dr. Natalie Lisi and I'm a licensed clinical social worker, Researcher, And mindfulness practitioner. Today, I'm going to talk to you a little bit about mindfulness and how you may benefit from practicing mindfulness during this eight-week study and beyond. Mindfulness is a word we hear a lot and it can mean a lot of different things. In a way, Mindfulness means we are paying attention to what is happening right now and noticing what that experience is with an accepting attitude. As we develop more awareness of our experience in the present moment, We often naturally begin to understand our body and mind better. This can help us not be so reactive in our daily life to things such as thoughts, Emotions, Physical sensations, Or other people. Mindfulness is not about feeling a particular way or having a specific kind of experience. It's more about noticing with radical honesty what our present moment experience actually is. With mindfulness, We can develop a quality of attention that can be present no matter what is happening around us. This can help us to have a greater sense of peace, Ease, And balance in our lives. Mindfulness can be practiced anytime, Anywhere, And in any activity that allows you to focus your attention on the present moment. It's important to find activities that resonate with you. Some examples of mindfulness activities include mindful breathing, Body scans, Mindful walking, Eating mindfully, Or meditation. Practicing mindfulness is connected to a plethora of benefits, Many of which can be especially helpful during college. Some of these benefits include reduced worry and anxiety, Increased focus and concentration, Better sleep, Increased sense of connection, Happiness, Well-being, And even increased college retention rates. As a college student, It can also help you manage stress while studying, Completing projects, And juggling all of the responsibilities that you have. It can help you stay focused on the task at hand without becoming overwhelmed. It can help you learn how to stay present, One moment at a time, Even when it feels like there are a hundred things that need to be done. It can also help promote effective communication through better emotional regulation. But how can we practice mindfulness? Jon Kabat-Zinn offers the most commonly used definition, Suggesting that mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way, On purpose, In the present moment, And non-judgmentally. It's common to think of mindfulness as a state of mind, But it can be more helpful to think of mindfulness as a three-step process. First, You intentionally focus on something. It doesn't really matter what. It could be the breath, The body, Or a sound. Second, The mind wanders off, Perhaps to a thought, Emotion, Or sensation. Third, You notice that the mind has wandered, And the cycle starts all over again when you return attention back to the original object of mindfulness. This process is deceptively simple and yet surprisingly beneficial. I hope you enjoy the process of discovering a more mindful existence through whatever meditations or mindfulness activities you choose to embrace. Good luck, And be well.