Live Well, Be Well: Mindfulness Under the Microscope

Our minds are busy places. We replay yesterday, worry about tomorrow, jump from one task to another, and sometimes struggle to simply pay attention to what's happening right now.

In this episode of Live Well. Be Well., Kacie Schumann explores mindfulness: what it actually means, where the practice comes from, what research says about its benefits, and how you can incorporate it into everyday life. And no, you don't have to sit cross-legged on the floor saying "ohhhmmm" for 30 minutes.

Kacie looks at research connecting mindfulness with reduced stress, improved sleep, increased focus, and psychological well-being. She also explains why mindfulness isn't about emptying your mind or being perfectly focused. Instead, it's about noticing the present moment without judgment and gently bringing your attention back when your mind inevitably wanders.

Episode Highlights

What Is Mindfulness?
Learn what it means to pay attention to the present moment with curiosity and without judgment, and why a wandering mind doesn't mean you're doing mindfulness "wrong."

Does Mindfulness Actually Work?
Explore what research says about mindfulness and its potential benefits for stress, sleep, focus, anxiety, depression, and overall psychological well-being. Mindfulness isn't a replacement for professional treatment, but research suggests it can be a useful addition to other approaches.

Mindfulness Doesn't Have to Mean Meditation
Mindfulness can happen almost anywhere. Kacie shares simple ways to practice, including mindful breathing, walking, eating, and paying closer attention to everyday experiences.

Try the Five Senses Check-In
Pause and notice five things you can see, four things you can feel, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. It's a simple exercise designed to bring your attention back to the present moment.

Make Everyday Transitions More Mindful
Before starting work, driving home, entering a meeting, or sitting down for dinner, take 30 seconds to notice how you're feeling before moving into the next part of your day.

Find What Works for You
Mindfulness doesn't have to take a lot of time. A few intentional moments throughout the week can be a great place to start.

Resources

Clark University: History of Mindfulness
Learn about the history of mindfulness

The Empirical Status of Mindfulness-Based Interventions
A systematic review of 44 meta-analyses representing more than 300 randomized controlled trials.
Read the research review

Palouse Mindfulness: Free Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Course
Explore the free MBSR course

Sakshi and Dhyana: The Origin of Mindfulness-Based Therapies
Read the article

Have a question, topic idea, or someone you would like to hear on the podcast?

Send suggestions to Kacie.Schumann@CityofAmes.org