Using Mindfulness of the Breath for Stress Reduction

Neda Gould, PhD, a clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, directs a daily mindfulness program. In this video, she will share with you a bit about what mindfulness meditation is and then guide you through a brief practice.

Transcript (edited for clarity):

Mindfulness is something that I found incredibly helpful for myself in general in terms of stress reduction, and certainly during this stressful time it has been even more valuable. Essentially, mindfulness is bringing your attention to the present moment. It is a pretty easy concept to think about in terms of just returning your attention to what you are doing as an anchor to the present such as your breathing.

You will notice when you practice or if you have been practicing, it does take time to begin to be able to return our attention to the present moment; but it can be an incredible way to reduce stress, as so much of our time is spent thinking about the future and the past.

During a stressful period, our thoughts are generally stress-related. So I'd like to guide you through a brief meditation practice focusing on the breath. The breath is a great anchor because it is always in the present moment and it is rhythmic, and so it's a simple way to begin if you've never done meditation before.

For more sessions with Dr Neda Gould

Mindfulness meditation can be an excellent resource to manage stress and anxiety during uncertain times. Dr Neda Gould, faculty member in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Director of the Mindfulness Program, leads daily meditations. Sessions are 30 minutes in length and include a variety of mindfulness meditation practices in a virtual format. Open the following zoom link at the scheduled times to join.

Daily Meditations (EST)

12 PM on Monday, Wednesday and Friday

9 AM on Tuesday and Thursday

https://jhjhm.zoom.us/j/747490420

Meeting ID: 747 490 420