Mindfulness

What Is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not be overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. It's the ability to maintain a moment-to-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment.

Why Practice it?

Studies have shown that practicing mindfulness, even for just a few weeks, can bring a variety of physical, psychological, and social benefits such as boosting your immune system, reducing stress, building resiliency, reducing bias and improving focus and compassion. Read the full list of benefits on UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center website.

Getting Started

Although you can cultivate mindfulness through formal meditation, that's not the only route to increased awareness.You can easily make mindfulness a part of your everyday life. The Greater Good Science Center has a introductory list of how to cultivate mindfulness and offers a variety of exercises designed to get you started.

Mindfulness Practices from Greater Good

Take a moment to explore practices such as eating mindfully, walking meditation, mindful body-scan and mindful breathing.

Mindfulness Meditation Group (Berkeley Lab)

The LBL Mindfulness Meditation group is run by Berkeley Lab employees and meets twice a week, Mondays at 12 noon and Fridays at 11 am.

Mindfulness Meditation – An Interview with the LBL Mindfulness Meditation Group

Meditation and Mindfulness for Faculty and Staff (Berkeley Lab)

The Meditation and Mindfulness for Faculty and Staff is run by Berkeley Lab employees and meets twice a month, first Wednesday of the Month at 1:15-1:45pm In-Person (Sproul Hall, Undergraduate Admissions Presentation Room (RM 103A)) and Third Thursday of the Month at 2-2:20pm on Zoom om

Mindfulness Apps

Apps are a great way to access mindfulness meditations of all kinds and lengths.

Insight Timer (free)
Calm
Headspace
Ten Percent Happier
UCLA Mindful - Free
With this easy-to-use app, you can practice mindfulness meditation anywhere, anytime with the guidance of the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center. The app includes meditations in multiple languages. Scientific research shows mindfulness can help manage stress-related physical conditions, reduce anxiety and depression, and cultivate positive emotions.
1. - Calm for Kaiser Members (free for one year)
  - myStrength
    UC Health plans have contracted with myStrength to provide employees free access to mindful exercises. myStrength is a personalized, digital program that includes interactive activities, in-the-moment coping tools, inspirational resources, and community support. You can track preferences and goals, current emotional states, and ongoing life events to improve your awareness and change behaviors. myStrength includes dedicated resources for coping during COVID-19. Just click on the link above for instructions in accessing the app.

Mindfulness for Kids

When we teach mindfulness to kids, we equip them with tools to build self-esteem, manage stress, and skillfully approach challenges. Explore the guide on how to introduce mindfulness and meditation to your children.