Mindfulness is defined as a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations (Google). It is a powerful way to help manage feelings of anxiety, worry, and combat stress. According to the American Psychological Association, mindfulness has been proven through research to produce the following psychological benefits:
- Reducing how much you let bad thoughts play over and over in your mind.
- Reducing the amount of stress you feel.
- Improve working memory.
- Improve focus.
- Help you be less reactionary.
- Improved mental flexibility.
- Increased relationship satisfaction.
One of the important things about mindfulness is that it takes practice to get good at it.
On Tuesday, March 7, 2017, from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, Leta Planz, MSW, LISWS, will offer a class at Appleseed Community Mental Health Center on how to use the simple and popular act of coloring to become more mindful. The class uses the research of Marsha M. Linehan who developed a counseling technique called Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Part of this therapy is using mindfulness skills to help create a balance and calm in order to make the best choices.
The class, Coloring & Your Brain will cover:
- Mindfulness Coloring for Adults and Teens
- The facts behind the fad!
- Answering some questions related to: Why does it help? What is happening in your brain? How you can think more clearly with coloring?
Coloring supplies included.
