Those who want to learn how to unplug in today’s busy world can learn what mindfulness is all about thanks to a free program running at the YMCA.
The YMCA is offering three free mindfulness classes for different age groups as a part of its Y Mind program.
“It’s being present and being in the here and now and focusing on what is in front of you,” says Jane Daigle, YMCA of Northern B.C. mindfulness coordinator.
“I think it’s very rare that all of us are unplugging more than we are plugged in so being mindful can actually slow down our life a little bit. We are all trying to live as fast as we can and as best as we can and that contributes to anxiety and stress overall, so being mindful just makes us stop and breathe for a second.”
Y Mind started as a pilot project at the YMCA of Greater Vancouver, and has since expanded to YMCA’s throughout B.C. Programs have been running in Prince George for the last year, with another cycle of classes starting next week.
The Y Mind classes include a teen mindfulness group for ages 13–17, a youth mindfulness group for ages 18–30, and Mind Fit class for those struggling with low mood or mild depression.
The classes are run by trained facilitators who not only practice mindfulness in their daily lives but have mental health and counselling backgrounds.
“I know those who come into the program learn so much and find that is has helped reduce their anxiety and give them a different way to manage stress,” says Daigle, adding that participants also experience positive social connections from the classes.
She says getting the word out about the classes, which are completely free and don’t require a referral is difficult.
“I think it is tricky getting the word out about mindfulness without going into a really big explanation for people. When they see that word mindfulness, maybe, immediately they don’t know what that means.”
Daigle says the teen mindfulness will teach different mindfulness basics, as well as acceptance and commitment therapies to help people reduce anxiety and stress and help people figure out what their values are.
The youth mindfulness class, which runs a little longer, covers the same topics but goes more in-depth than the teen version.
The Mind Fit class, in addition to mindfulness techniques, incorporates a physical activity led by an activity specialist from the YMCA.
“I think the program material is really life-changing,” says Daigle. “Thinking back to when I was an anxious teenager I really wish I had something like this. I think it would have really changed how I went through high school and how I went through life going forward.”
Daigle says spots in the teen and youth mindfulness classes are filling up fast, but they actually need more participants to sign up for the Mind Fit class in order for it to run.
Intake for the programs ends next week so, those interested in signing up should do so now by emailing [email protected].
