Mindfulness: A mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.

Mindfulness can just mean being present or aware when carrying out everyday tasks, at its simplest it’s being aware of what you’re doing while you are doing it. It is a Buddhist technique that has become increasingly popular around the world. People who use mindfulness find that it reduces stress and gives them a greater sense of control.

It’s a way of teaching ourselves to take time, not to rush through life and evaluate what’s going on around you without judgement.

Working in the healthcare profession can be a very rewarding job, whether you are a healthcare assistant or nurse, knowing that you are making a difference to someone’s life can be very satisfying. But working in the healthcare industry can also be extremely stressful, often juggling things going on in your own life and trying to help your client can be very difficult. That’s why being mindful can help!

Obviously, we all need to keep our personal and work lives separate, but often there can be difficulties in both. Being mindful will give you the chance to take a step back from both, and make you fully aware of your actions while you’re doing them. If you are more aware of what you are doing and what needs to be done, it can really help in planning. Being mindful reduces the risk of your mind wandering and thinking about something else. Mindfulness is an expression of care and compassion, but it must begin with yourself.

Practicing mindfulness is not the same as being mindful of others. Being mindful as a caregiver is more about looking after yourself so that you don’t become overwhelmed and neglect your well-being.

There are many different breathing techniques that can help you cultivate mindfulness, which you can read about HERE!

So, as a care assistant, please try to remember that your health, happiness and well-being is just as important as your clients. If you’re healthy and happy, we believe you will be a better carer and will provide better care for your client.

To find out more about working as a Healthcare Assistant, call us on 018338000 or send your CV to recruitment@communicare.ie