MINDFULNESS FOR STRESS
When it comes to anxiety and stress no one is immune – it takes hold in various forms and often lands when we least expect it. This is why it’s important we take a proactive approach to nurturing our mental health and wellbeing. A few minutes of mindfulness each day can prove invaluable.
ADOPTING MINDFULNESS IN TIMES OF STRESS
When COVID-19 spread anxiety across the globe, millions of people turned to at-home exercise – and not just for physical fitness. The LES MILLS™ On Demand home streaming service saw a 900 percent jump in subscribers and 76 percent of users said stress relief was a key motivator, while 72 percent cited the desire to boost their mental health.
There is no doubt that doing physical workouts was becoming an increasingly popular way send stress packing. But at the same time, many were also taking a more serene approach to stress release – streaming meditations, mindfulness sessions and yoga classes into their lounge or bedroom.
Sam B from the UK was one of them. "I am an NHS employee working my ass off in this stressful time of COVID-19 pandemic," she says. "At work, all we discuss is COVID-19, at home, I discuss with my children the importance of handwashing, with my husband I discuss the impact of COVID-19 on his job and our financial circumstances. Thank god for Les Mills Mindfulness. It is my time to switch off and empty my brain for a short time.”
These mindfulness sessions are part of the new LES MILLS WELLNESS series featuring short guided meditation and mindfulness sessions, breathwork and yoga practices. They are designed to be simple in essence and scientific in nature, which makes them a great option for anyone
DISCOVER LES MILLS WELLNESS - TRY FOR FREE ON LES MILLS ON DEMAND
If you’re new to mindfulness, follow Kylie’s advice. “Take small steps at the beginning – and remember anything is better than nothing.” With time and practice, you will begin to slow the steady stream of thoughts that cause much of our stress and anxiety, and drop into the experience of being; a state characterized by stillness, spaciousness, and greater clarity.
Read more about the amazing link between mindfulness and physical activity and discover all you need to know about how to combat stress and anxiety with exercise.
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More about the author
Emma Hogan
Emma is a health and fitness writer with 20 years of experience creating evidence-based features that bridge the gap between scientific research and real-world application. Based in New Zealand, she works with global exercise scientists, physiotherapists, and internationally recognized fitness experts to uncover the latest insights in health, fitness, and human performance.
Known for making complex topics accessible and engaging, Emma writes on everything from strength training and recovery to motivation, behavior change, and lifelong wellbeing. Her work helps readers navigate an increasingly crowded health landscape and make informed choices grounded in credible research rather than trends or misinformation.
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