Each year in May the Mental Health Foundation helps to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing during Mental Health Awareness Week.

This year, the theme of Mental Health Awareness Week is Mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of focusing your awareness on the present moment and can be achieved in a variety of ways. Many people will practise mindfulness regularly within the activities they undertake. For example, walking, running, yoga and rock climbing are just some physical activities that lend themselves to people becoming absorbed in the present moment. Creative pastimes such as painting and listening to music are also effective ways of attuning yourself to the qualities of the present moment by carefully observing the sound of the music, the tone and hue of the paint. People who advocate for mindfulness as a therapeutic technique would say the benefits are to do with “not getting stuck in the past or worrying about the future” (Mental Health Foundation)

As stated by the Mental Health Foundation:

“Mindfulness is already known to be successful in helping people with mental and physical health problems, from stress, depression and anxiety to chronic pain, eating disorders and concentration, boost our productivity at work, and give us a greater enjoyment of life”.

Did you know? You can find out more about mindfulness here at Sheffield Hallam University and even go to a workshop to learn how to practise. This week, on Wednesday 13 May there is an Introduction to Mindfulness workshop at 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm in the Multifaith Chaplaincy, Level 2, Owen Building, City Campus.

You can also contact the Student Wellbeing Service to access a range of support for your mental health and wellbeing. Find out more about Student Wellbeing services in general via shuspace.