A brief introduction to stress and its negative workplace and health impacts; information on the ways in which meditation and mindfulness can work to manage stress and improve our lives. Created for the Paradigm Group in Nashville

1. Mindfulness and Stress Reduction
Paradigm Group

2. Beginner’s Mind

3. About Golden Bristle

4. Calm, Committed,
Happy, Healthy
Teams

5. Being aware of what's going on -- in our
minds, in our bodies and around us -- and
accepting it without trying to change it
(because trying to change it will most
likely drive us crazy)
What is Mindfulness?

6. 1. Being aware of the present
moment, whatever is happening.
2. Accepting it for what it is. (The
hardest part.)
Two Keys:

7. It gives us space.
Why is it important?

8. Meditation
(and other methods)
How do we get it?

9. • HBR: 60-90% of healthcare
costs stress related
• Gallup estimates #1 cause of
longterm sickness globally
Stress

10. Immediate
Stress Effects

11. Immediate
Stress Effects
Long-term

12. Employee Disengagement:
$2,000
The Costs
Healthcare Costs:
$2,000

13. Stress
“After the session I feel relaxed…very zen. Not as
much going through my mind, I’m calmer, more
peaceful and happier, with no headache."

14. Neuroplasticity
• Emotion regulation
• Self-referential processing
• Depression/anxiety
• Interoception
• Learning and memory

15. Compassion
“I’m more patient with my friends and family, willing
to listen and feel and invest, and grateful for
everything I have. I feel healthier and do more to
take care of my physical health. And possibly most
important, I’m nicer, both to myself and others. (And
more aware I am sometimes still a cranky old man.)"

16. • Increased social connection
• Increased life satisfaction / decreased depression
• Cultivation of compassion
• Decreased (stigmatized) intergroup bias
Compassion

17. Health
“I have been very aware of various pain around my
body for the past couple of months, but during the
meditation I had a vacation from that. I was amazed
during the body scan that no part of my body was
complaining."

18. Health
• Pain relief
• Cardiovascular - blood pressure, stroke,
atherosclerosis
• Inflammation and immune system
• Etc.

19. Daily Practices
• Gratitude: Write down 5 things you’re grateful for
• Go for a walk
• Pay attention
• Mindfulness meditation practice

20. Specific Meditations
• Stress and Health: Body Scan
• Focus: Concentration or Direct Perception
• Empathy: Loving Kindness/Metta

21. Calm, Committed,
Happy, Healthy

22. • Set a regular schedule
• Make a space
• Mini meditations
Create a Practice

23. Questions