Benefits of Cultivating Mindfulness
In this week’s episode of the Cancer Education Series, the founder of Above + Beyond Cancer, Dr. Richard Deming discusses the benefits of cultivating mindfulness and being present with Allison Peet. Allison is from Dubuque, Iowa, and went to school at the University of Northern Iowa. Allison is a certified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) & Buteyko Instructor and is also the owner of From Within Wellness. Allison's 5-year mindfulness certification is the most rigorous in the country, coming from Massachusetts Medical School and Brown University. From Within Wellness now offers 8-week, 4-week courses, and one-on-ones.
Allison recalls that she was introduced to mindfulness several years ago when she was dealing with postpartum as well as situational depression and anxiety and wanted change. Her friend introduced her to the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MSBR) course. Allison describes mindfulness as the practice of being present with what is happening within an individual's body, surroundings, thoughts, and emotions. The awareness that is built with mindfulness helps individuals respond more wisely to stressors rather than ‘reacting on autopilot.’ Meditation is a formal practice, whereas mindfulness can be practiced at any time.
The 8-week course in MBSR, as mentioned above, is proven through various studies to reduce the symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. It was initially developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979. MBSR can also help treat individuals dealing with addiction, pain, fatigue, and even improve physical health. Dr. Kabat-Zinn noticed there were patients who dealt with chronic pain, heart issues, and more, that were not being completely treated by medicine. He sought to get to the root of their stress, treating stress as a diagnosis, so he could work toward healing those individuals. The practice then became formalized and widespread through the report of many studies on patients experiencing positive changes due to mindfulness.
The two hosts delve into the science behind mindfulness. During one mind-wandering study, scientists at Harvard University found that in 47 percent of humans' waking hours, their minds are not on the task they are performing. Harvard researchers also concluded that this lack of control over thoughts and attention to their desired task actually results in individuals being less happy.
The hosts also discuss breath, specifically the importance of the exhale. When individuals slow down breathing, there is an increase in circulation and an influx of oxygen to the brain. Slow belly breathing actually results in physiological changes to the body, forcing the body to utilize the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps to reduce stress.
It can be argued that mindfulness is the foundation of any mental health practice. However, it is vital to understand that those who experience generalized anxiety disorder and other mental health disorders such as depression, BPD, schizophrenia, and PTSD, that impact their day-to-day functioning, may need additional care. Seeking support and information from therapy, psychiatry, and medicine-based approaches are also helpful routes to follow to better mental health.
For more, check out this conversation in detail on the Above + Beyond Cancer's Youtube channel. To find mindfulness and meditation classes offered by Above + Beyond Cancer, go to our website here. To check out Allison's classes on mindfulness, schedule a one-on-one session, or to speak with Allison about general questions, visit her website or contact her directly: allisonpeet@gmail.com
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