Harvard Pilgrim’s Mind the Moment program encourages people to be fully aware in the present. This is called mindfulness, and it helps participants manage stress, increase focus and stay healthy.
The benefits of mindfulness are numerous and include enhanced immune function, improved blood pressure and healthier cardiac functioning. Studies also show people who practice mindfulness have increased motivation to make lifestyle changes, decreased perception of pain and increased ability to tolerate pain.
Using MRI images, researchers can actually see changes in the areas of the brain related to fear, anxiety and self regulation, in people who practice mindfulness regularly. MRI imaging also shows that the cerebral cortex (a part of the brain that is critical in decision making and memory) thickens as a result of meditation. And studies suggest that meditation may protect against age-related thinning of the cerebral cortex.
In the same way that regular exercise improves physical health, regular mindfulness practice can actually change your thought patterns and your body’s response to stress.
Mindfulness also helps the body cope with physical challenges such as headaches, back pain, and even heart disease.
Tips for living mindfully
- Be aware of your body as you awaken in the morning. Notice the various sensations—your heartbeat, breathing or points of contact with body and bed. Also, notice your thoughts. Where is your mind upon awakening?
- Notice all the sensations involved in your morning activities such as brushing your teeth, showering, or eating breakfast.
- One or two days a week, drive to and from work without listening to music or the radio.
- Before you pick up the phone to answer it or make a call, take a brief pause and connect with your body and breathing.
- When waiting in line at the grocery store, pay attention to the bodily sensations required when standing. Connect with your breathing.
- Before a meeting, take a moment to connect with your body and breath. Connect with any sensation you may be experiencing at that moment.
- When walking, notice your body moving and become aware of any sensations. When walking outside, notice the sensation of the wind, air, rain, sounds, birdcalls, rustling, etc.
- When you arrive at your destination, take a moment before getting out of the car, train, bus or plane and connect with your body and breath.
- Choose a couple of meals or snacks each week and be fully present. No talking, reading or television. Stay completely present for the meal, paying attention to the sensation, taste and texture of the food you are eating.
Mindfulness at Work for You
Mind the Moment is led by Tara Healey, M.ed, who works with her team of instructors to bring mindfulness-based learning to the masses. As an organization committed to its own health, wellness and innovation, Harvard Pilgrim piloted its first Mind the Moment class to our employees in 2006. The response was so overwhelmingly positive that we began offering the classes on a regular basis. So far, nearly 20% of our employees have attended the 7 week program, with participants reporting improvements in:
- Communication
- Focus and concentration
- Ability to handle stress
- Balance in work and home life
- Decreased distraction during the workday
Companies that have participated in Harvard Pilgrim’s Mind the Moment programs include:
- Boston Medical Center
- Google, Inc.
- Harvard Medical School
- Northeast Human Resource Association
- Physician Health Services, Inc., a Massachusetts Medical Society corporation
- The MITRE Corporation
- Springfield College
- Smith College
Visit our Mind the Moment Facebook community for mindfulness tips, instructional videos, instructor bios and more.
Harvard Pilgrim’s Mind the Moment program encourages people to be fully aware in the present. This is called mindfulness, and it helps participants manage stress, increase focus and stay healthy.
The benefits of mindfulness are numerous and include enhanced immune function, improved blood pressure and healthier cardiac functioning. Studies also show people who practice mindfulness have increased motivation to make lifestyle changes, decreased perception of pain and increased ability to tolerate pain.
Using MRI images, researchers can actually see changes in the areas of the brain related to fear, anxiety and self regulation, in people who practice mindfulness regularly. MRI imaging also shows that the cerebral cortex (a part of the brain that is critical in decision making and memory) thickens as a result of meditation. And studies suggest that meditation may protect against age-related thinning of the cerebral cortex.
In the same way that regular exercise improves physical health, regular mindfulness practice can actually change your thought patterns and your body’s response to stress.
Mindfulness also helps the body cope with physical challenges such as headaches, back pain, and even heart disease.
Tips for living mindfully
Mindfulness at Work for You
Mind the Moment is led by Tara Healey, M.ed, who works with her team of instructors to bring mindfulness-based learning to the masses. As an organization committed to its own health, wellness and innovation, Harvard Pilgrim piloted its first Mind the Moment class to our employees in 2006. The response was so overwhelmingly positive that we began offering the classes on a regular basis. So far, nearly 20% of our employees have attended the 7 week program, with participants reporting improvements in:
Companies that have participated in Harvard Pilgrim’s Mind the Moment programs include:
Visit our Mind the Moment Facebook community for mindfulness tips, instructional videos, instructor bios and more.