How MBCT mindfulness can improve productivity in the workplace
Mindfulness gives us a better understanding of stress and problems in the workplace, whilst improving communication and relationships with others. People say that mindfulness helps them to think straight and have a clear head. So practising mindfulness can also improve your working memory.
Obviously, being at work brings its own unique stresses and strains. Getting along with co-workers and colleagues. Dealing with management or team members. Meeting deadlines, hitting targets, maintaining performance. It’s no wonder that workplace stress is now a recognised health condition.
In fact, anyone who works under pressure in a busy environment can experience workplace stress. But the good news is, anyone can benefit from everyday mindfulness at work. People who have taken part in our courses say that they now use mindfulness strategies during their working day - and also at home. In very busy jobs and during times of stress, these skills have enabled them to become calmer, put things into perspective and focus on the present.
“It has been incredibly uplifting having mindfulness sessions at the end of the school day. They have provided us with a moment of calm and that’s something that all teachers can benefit from. I would highly recommend Nicola’s services.”
Group courses
8 WEEKS £POA
Other options available
During the 8-week course you’ll develop skills to manage the ups and downs of life and learn ways of responding that help improve your wellbeing. MBCT groups usually have 8–14 people meeting weekly for sessions, but as each workplace course is tailor-made for your organisation, the number of sessions or attendees may vary. Nicola teaches MBCT in a number of business settings throughout the year.
Every week we’ll be covering a different theme as we develop the practice of mindfulness. The sessions will start with a practice, then an introduction to the session, followed by a review of the home practice. Each session will centre on a foundational meditation practice followed by group reflections and learning/discussion points. At the end of each session, we’ll discuss the home practice expected between sessions.
The fee includes:
all handouts and resources, and a link to the guided practices for home practice or, if preferred, a USB memory stick or CD of guided practices for use during and after the course
a pre-course individual meeting (30 mins) with each potential participant to discuss the course, any questions you may have and any other relevant information. The course is a commitment, so it's important to consider whether it’s right for you, and whether you would have time to practice the mindfulness skills in between sessions, as this is an important part of the course
an optional post-group individual meeting (included in the price)
The science behind mindfulness for life and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is based on the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) 8-week programme, developed by Jon Kabat Zinn. MBCT was adapted by Mark Williams, Zindel Segal and John Teasdale to incorporate our knowledge of a widely-respected treatment, namely Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
MBCT employs the same structure as MBSR but has been refined to include elements of CBT. This makes it clinically effective not only for personal development and stress management, but also for the treatment of ongoing factors that lead to mental health problems, such as worry.
Our Mindfulness for Life courses (MBCT-L) are a relatively new adaptation of MBCT based on research carried out at the Oxford Mindfulness Centre (OMC). The intention is to teach mindfulness in everyday life to the general population, helping people manage their difficulties but also to enable them to fulfil their potential and flourish. Our current courses are based on this more recent adaptation of MBCT.
The ‘Mindfulness for Life’ programme
The 8-week MBCT course is a well-established and scientifically-proven way of helping you to train your ‘meditation muscles’ by offering a programme to help you understand and develop the wellbeing benefits of mindfulness. It provides a structured process with a group of people supported by regular practice. Just like training your physical muscles, your meditation muscles need to be trained at home too to get the most from the course.
Session 1 - Waking up from automatic pilot – stepping out of ‘doing’ mode into ‘being’ mode
Session 2 - Another way of being: keeping the body in mind – paying attention in each moment without judgement
Session 3 - Gathering the scattered mind – reconnecting with mindful presence through the breath and body
Session 4 - Recognising reactivity – staying present and becoming aware of how we might respond mindfully
Session 5 - Allowing and letting be – working towards developing acceptance and kindness towards our experiences
Session 6 - Responding skilfully: thoughts are not facts – ways to see thoughts differently
Session 7 - How can I best take care of myself? Using skilful action to take care of ourselves, even when our mood lowers
Session 8 - Mindfulness for life – planning for a new way of living!
The programme also includes a day of practice on a Saturday, usually around sessions 6 and 7.
Who benefits the most?
It could be you or anyone in your workplace who feels they work under pressure or experience workplace stress. It could be anyone who finds it difficult to focus on a variety of tasks or make decisions. Anyone can benefit on a personal or productivity level.
Healthcare practitioners and support staff
Office workers - from junior staff to senior managers
Manufacturers - from packers to those in charge and anyone in-between
Schools, colleges and universities - teachers and support staff
Transport workers - from train drivers to chief executives
Literally anyone who wants to improve their wellbeing
How to book
If you’d like to discuss how our ‘Everyday Mindfulness’ course can benefit the staff in your workplace or you personally, simply fill out the enquiry form below. Nicola with then contact you to discuss your business or organisation’s specific needs.