Mindfulness – Taking a Moment

Imagine having a burnout so bad that you begin losing your memory. That’s what happened to Alex Strang ten years ago. The stresses of a busy work life took its toll, and he ended up suffering physically as well as mentally. It’s a risk that many millennials don’t even realise they are taking with their health; by not taking a moment to breathe, we are opening ourselves up to severe stress, anxiety and depression.

That’s why Alex teamed up with Charlie Cadbury to create the Moment Pebble. Leading research into mindfulness and mental health has suggested that practicing mindfulness, even for a moment, helps protect the brain, against stress, and allows a person to relax, even if only for a moment.

After suffering a personal loss, Charlie considered his day-to-day routine, and discovered the benefits of taking short, mindful moments, firsthand. He and Alex are focussed on bringing this passion for mindfulness to the world, encouraging everyone to take mindful moments where possible.

What does it mean to take a mindful moment?

Simply put, taking a moment to be mindful literally means taking a moment to think of nothing, focus on nothing, and simply allow yourself to be totally free of distractions. It doesn’t have to be a long moment, but a full, pure moment of simply breathing. Keeping a clear mind and allowing yourself to reset.

Why should I care about mindfulness?

Dr Gini Harrison, a lecturer in Psychology at the Open University and adviser to Moment Pebble, tells us how constant distractions can lead to severe stress and burnout. She reminds us of the importance of mindfulness for both mental and physical wellbeing. When we’re stressed, we’re no good to anyone.

[When we’re mindful] We have improved cognitive abilities, better attention, better focus

Dr Gini Harisson, Senior Psychology Lecturer

Okay.. So how do I start?

Well, there are loads of apps out there to help you keep up a mindfulness habit. Charlie actually started off using an app on his phone to take a moment at the start and end of each day. However, he points out that people usually feel the most stressed during the day, so it’s important to keep track throughout the day too. Enter: Moment Pebble

The Moment Pebble acts as a physical reminder to practice mindfulness. It fits in your pocket or handbag, and is a calming device, designed to help re-align your mind. We have never been more connected than we are today, and the pebble is a way for us to completely disconnect, and give our minds the break we so desperately need. It’s not about taking a 2-week holiday and then throwing yourself back into the grind – the most effective way to practice mindfulness and keep a healthy mind is to take shorter moments, wherever you can.

[The key is] short, frequent micro-moments of mindfulness

Charlie Cadbury

The pebble gives out a calming, pulsing light, to help guide your breathing; making you stop, think and breathe, for 30 seconds. It is a physical reminder to all of us to take a breath. The Moment Pebble is the first step in a Moment Movement, and I, for one, am excited to see where Alex and Charlie take us. A kickstarer project, funded by people like you and I, the Moment Pebble is supported by people from all walks of life, and it deserves your support too. If you want to pre-order a pebble or pledge to the Moment Pebble kickstarter, taking that first step towards mindfulness, you can do so here.

How do you practice mindfulness?

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