ISSN: 2578-5095
Authors: Panjwani S* and Calhoun M
Mindfulness is the concept of paying attention to thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the current moment in order to increase awareness and consciousness. It involves the mind, body, and spirit to connect in different ways to enhance total well-being. Mental health professionals suggest mindfulness to their clients because it has been shown to improve well-being and reduce psychopathology. However, many mental health professionals often fail to practice mindfulness themselves. Their occupation can be demanding, the clients can leave them feeling drained and exhausted, and they may have issues in their personal lives. Since early 2020, professionals providing behavioral health services experience more work demands because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused increased anxiety, fear, isolation, and stress. Extreme stress can often lead mental health professionals to feel anxious and depressed and cause them to neglect multiple areas of their lives. This burnout can be prevented if mental health professionals practice mindfulness using different techniques such as breathing, meditation, and yoga to deal with their stress and anxiety. This paper will introduce the concept of mindfulness practice among mental health professionals. The authors will examine existing literature to see how mindfulness practice can benefit the well-being of the mind, body, and spirit. Additionally, the authors will examine how this practice is specifically helpful for mental health professionals.
Keywords: Mindfulness; Mental Health Professionals; Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction; Burnout; Holistic Wellness
