Child Life Blog Banner (8)

Mindfulness for Child Life Professionals

We're so glad you're here. This mindfulness page has been curated with intention for child life students and professionals. It shares the simplicities and benefits of active awareness, and provides tools for use in your everyday life. Happy exploring.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness does not have a specific, widely accepted definition, as it means something a little different to the many researchers, scholars, and practitioners who have studied it. Mindfulness may be thought of as a term to describe a variety of practices that approach awareness in unique ways. Mindfulness as a Buddhist concept means memory and a clear awareness of what is happening (Bodhi, 2011), a state of being alert and focusing on here and now (Dalai Lama & Berzin, 1997), and an active, engaged, non-reactive process (Rapgay & Bystrisky, 2009). From a more Western viewpoint, mindfulness is paying attention and being aware of the present moment in a non-judgmental and non-reactive way (Kabat-Zinn, 2015), intentionally bringing awareness to the present moment without judgement (Siegel, 2012), and awareness of and open attention to present events and experience (Brown, et. al., 2007). Another concept of mindfulness involves our cognitive abilities; creation of new things, being open to new information, and being aware of more than one perspective (Langer, 1989). 

For our purposes here, we hope to welcome, illuminate, and highlight all concepts of mindfulness to really capture the breadth of mindfulness practice and share many of the positive impacts it has on a variety of users.

Why Practice Mindfulness?

 

As a helping profession, individuals learning and working in child life are susceptible to compassion fatigue, burnout, and difficulty achieving work-life balance (Meadors et al., 2010). This makes the implementation of regular self-care practices essential. Mindfulness is one of many ways to show compassion to yourself. Whether you’re a student or seasoned professional, there are evidenced-based reasons to develop a mindful routine. 

Green List Benefits of White Tea Instagram Story

Mindfulness:

  1. Decreases burnout in health care professionals (Goodman & Schorling, 2012)
  2. Reduces stress, depression, and anxiety in healthcare professionals (Kriakous et al., 2020)
  3. Reduces students’ perceived stress (Maher, 2021)
  4. Helps regulate automatic responses, thereby reducing implicit bias (Lueke & Gibson, 2014)
  5. Improves job performance and reduces turnover (Dane & Brummel, 2013)
  6. Serves as a protective factor in coping and dealing with COVID-19 (Dillard & Meier, 2021)
  7. Fosters creative insight and problem solving (Hester, 2021)
  8. Improves sleep patterns and daytime fatigue (Huberty et al., 2021)
  9. Enhances emotional regulation (Jiménez-Picón, 2021)
  10. Improves attention and working memory (Yakobi et al., 2021)
These are just some of the mental, physical, and socioemotional benefits associated with mindfulness. Another reason to consider embracing mindfulness is that interventions can be brief, and results can be immediate (Kemper, 2017). A few minutes paying attention to your thoughts, movement, breath, feelings, or surroundings is all it takes. In the resources below, you will find a variety of accessible on-the-go, as well as in-depth, mindful practices to incorporate into your daily routine.

Free Online Resources:

Calm. (2022). Mindfulness resources — Calm blog. https://www.calm.com/blog/mindfulness-resources
Free downloadable journals, guidebooks, and calendars to help foster a mindfulness practice in your life.

Hanh, T. N. (2022, January 27). Thich Nhat Hanh on the practice of mindfulness. Lion's Roar. https://www.lionsroar.com/mindful-living-thich-nhat-hanh-on-the-practice-of-mindfulness-march-2010/
Five mindful practices provided by Thich Nhat Hanh - a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, activist, author, poet, and teacher who is recognized as the "father of mindfulness."

Mindful Communications & Such, PBC. (2022). mindful: healthy mind, healthy life. Mindful. https://www.mindful.org/
A large variety of mindful content including articles, script/audio/video meditations, mindful movements, breathwork, and directories for mindful coaches and events. Categories include: How to Meditate, Focus, Calm, Sleep, Movement, Compassion, Kids, and Anxiety.

Newman, K. M., & Ho, J. (2021, March 12). Five free mindfulness apps worthy of your attention. Mindful. https://www.mindful.org/free-mindfulness-apps-worthy-of-your-attention/
5 free mindfulness apps available for download and descriptions of what they have to offer.

Sean Fargo. (2022). Mindfulness exerciseshttps://mindfulnessexercises.com/#
An assortment of free mindfulness exercises in the form of courses, worksheets, video and audio files.

University of California, San Diego. (2022). Mindfulness & compassion resources. Centers for Integrative Health. https://cih.ucsd.edu/mindfulness/mindfulness-compassion-resources

Poetry, meditations, body scans, and mindful movement offerings. Some resources available in various languages.

Winston, D. (2011-2021). Guided meditations. Guided Meditations - UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center - Los Angeles, CA. Retrieved from https://www.uclahealth.org/marc/mindful-meditations#Mandarin An assortment of guided meditation audio/scripts in English, Armenian, Cantonese, Farsi, Filipino, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Mixtec, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese, and American Sign Language.

References

Bodhi, B. (2011). What does mindfulness really mean? A canonical perspective. Contemporary Buddhism, 12(1), 19–39. doi:10.1080/ 14639947.2011.564813.

Brown, K. W., Ryan, R. M., & Creswell, J. D. (2007). Mindfulness: theoretical foundations and evidence for its salutary effects. Psychological Inquiry, 18(4), 211–237. doi:10.1080/ 10478400701598298.

Dalai Lama, & Berzin, A. (1997). The Gelug/Kagyu tradition of Mahamudra. New York, NY: Snow Lion.

Dane, E., & Brummel, B. J. (2013). Examining workplace mindfulness and its relations to job performance and turnover intention. Human Relations67(1), 105-128. https://doi.org/10.1177/0018726713487753

Dillard, A. J., & Meier, B. P. (2021). Trait mindfulness is negatively associated with distress related to COVID-19. Personality and Individual Differences179, 110955. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2021.110955

Goldstein, E. (2013, May 29). Stressing out? S.T.O.P. Mindful. https://www.mindful.org/stressing-out-stop/

Goodman, M. J., & Schorling, J. B. (2012). A mindfulness course decreases burnout and improves well-being among healthcare providers. The International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine43(2), 119-128. https://doi.org/10.2190/pm.43.2.b

Hester, D. M., Jr. (2021). The role of mindfulness in creativity and problem solving (Order No. 28321176). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (2513201519). Retrieved from https://proxy.lib.umich.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/role-mindfulness-creativity-problem-solving/docview/2513201519/se-2?accountid=14667

Huberty, J. L., Green, J., Puzia, M. E., Larkey, L., Laird, B., Vranceanu, A., Vlisides-Henry, R., & Irwin, M. R. (2021). Testing a mindfulness meditation mobile app for the treatment of sleep-related symptoms in adults with sleep disturbance: A randomized controlled trial. PLOS ONE16(1), e0244717. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0244717

Jiménez-Picón, N., Romero-Martín, M., Ponce-Blandón, J. A., Ramirez-Baena, L., Palomo-Lara, J. C., & Gómez-Salgado, J. (2021). The relationship between mindfulness and emotional intelligence as a protective factor for healthcare professionals: Systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health18(10), 5491. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105491

Kabat-Zinn, J. (2015). Mindfulness6(6), 1481–1483. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-015-0456-x

Kemper, K. J. (2017). Brief Online Mindfulness Training. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 22(1), 75–80. doi: 10.1177/2156587216639199

Kriakous, S. A., Elliott, K. A., Lamers, C., & Owen, R. (2020). The effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction on the psychological functioning of healthcare professionals: A systematic review. Mindfulness12(1), 1-28. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-020-01500-9

Langer, E. J. (1989). Mindfulness. Cambridge, MA: Da Capo Press

Lueke, A., & Gibson, B. (2014). Mindfulness meditation reduces implicit age and race bias. Social Psychological and Personality Science6(3), 284-291. https://doi.org/10.1177/1948550614559651

Maher, C. (2021). The benefits of mindfulness for University students. Building Healthy Academic Communities Journal5(1), 42-57. https://doi.org/10.18061/bhac.v5i1.7735

Thera, N. (1968). The power of mindfulness. Wheel Publication, 1-75.

Rapgay, L., & Bystrisky, A. (2009). Classical mindfulness: an introduction to its theory and practice for clinical application. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1172, 148–162. doi:10.1111/j.1749- 6632.2009.04405.x.

Scott, E. (2020). How to become more mindful in your everyday life. Verywell Mind, 13 July 2020, www.verywellmind.com/mindfulness-exercises-for-everyday-life-3145187.

Siegel, D. J. (2007). The mindful brain: reflection and attunement in the cultivation of well-being. New York, NY: Norton.

Yakobi, O., Smilek, D., & Danckert, J. (2021). The effects of mindfulness meditation on attention, executive control and working memory in healthy adults: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Cognitive Therapy and Research45(4), 543-560. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-020-10177-2

Leave a comment

Leave a comment
  1. sa | Apr 05, 2026
    Enjoy online slot betting with easy navigation, attractive bonuses, and a wide variety of games suited for all skill levels. ฟิก333
  2. sa | Apr 05, 2026
    Boost your gaming experience with slot betting platforms that provide exciting bonuses, fair play, and seamless gameplay across devices. สบายเบท168
  3. sa | Apr 05, 2026
    Experience thrilling slot betting action with easy gameplay mechanics, frequent rewards, and immersive themes that keep players engaged. pg8888
  4. sa | Apr 05, 2026
    Discover the excitement of slot betting with dynamic themes, engaging sound effects, and innovative gameplay features for nonstop fun. roman189
  5. sa | Apr 05, 2026
    Play high-quality slot betting games with impressive graphics, smooth animations, and rewarding gameplay designed for maximum user satisfaction. m4vip
  6. sa | Apr 05, 2026
    Maximize your chances of winning with trusted slot betting platforms offering exclusive bonuses, fast transactions, and top-rated slot games. thb vip
  7. sa | Apr 05, 2026
    Find the best slot betting games online featuring free spins, high RTP rates, and engaging themes for consistent and enjoyable gameplay. th39
  8. sa | Apr 05, 2026
    Explore top online slot betting platforms offering generous bonuses, secure payments, and immersive casino experiences with endless winning opportunities. fafa7899 สล็อต
  9. sa | Apr 05, 2026
    Choose verified slot betting platforms with excellent user reviews, fair gaming systems, and competitive promotional offers. dragon444
  10. sa | Apr 05, 2026
    Discover modern slot betting websites with mobile optimization, high RTP rates, and engaging bonus rounds for players. เจ้าสัว789
  11. sa | Apr 05, 2026
    Join innovative slot betting websites designed for maximum engagement, featuring modern designs and exciting slot themes. mk88
  12. sa | Apr 05, 2026
    Find trusted slot betting websites with transparent terms, reliable customer support, and rewarding bonus programs. pgzeed42
  13. sa | Apr 05, 2026
    Play on secure slot betting platforms offering fair play, licensed operations, and diverse gaming options. megac4
  14. sa | Apr 05, 2026
    Explore top slot betting sites with secure payment methods, high RTP games, and exclusive promotional deals. zeed777plus
  15. sa | Apr 05, 2026
    Discover slot betting platforms offering free spins, cashback deals, and secure financial transactions for players worldwide. win9999
  16. sa | Apr 05, 2026
    Enjoy high-performance slot betting platforms with interactive gameplay, smooth graphics, and frequent promotional events. 777pg
  17. sa | Apr 05, 2026
    Explore trusted slot betting sites providing instant deposits, flexible withdrawal options, and secure account management. jinda888
  18. sa | Apr 05, 2026
    Access leading slot betting websites offering fast loading speeds, secure payments, and immersive gaming experiences. xpro88
  19. sa | Apr 05, 2026
    Find the best slot betting sites offering fast payouts, user-friendly navigation, and exciting daily slot tournaments. สล็อต168
  20. sa | Apr 05, 2026
    Discover high-paying slot betting platforms with optimized performance, engaging themes, and regular promotions for loyal players. flik19
  21. sa | Apr 05, 2026
    Choose safe slot betting websites with verified licenses, responsive customer support, and diverse payment methods for convenience. โจ๊กเกอร์369
  22. sa | Apr 05, 2026
    Experience top slot betting platforms offering progressive jackpots, free spins, and secure withdrawals for ultimate online gaming satisfaction. lava222
  23. sa | Apr 05, 2026
    Join leading slot betting websites with quick registration, instant deposits, and access to thousands of exciting slot games. king auto
  24. sa | Apr 05, 2026
    Compare the best slot betting platforms offering licensed services, attractive jackpots, and user-friendly interfaces for seamless online gaming. betflix 2k
  25. sa | Apr 05, 2026
    Explore top-rated slot betting platforms with high RTP games, generous welcome bonuses, and mobile-friendly gaming experiences worldwide. gambit777
  26. sa | Apr 05, 2026
    Discover trusted slot betting websites offering secure gameplay, fast payouts, and exciting bonus features for new and experienced players alike. brb969
  27. sa | Apr 04, 2026
    Find secure real money slot sites with licensed platforms, high RTP slots, and rewarding promotions for both new and experienced players. seabet333
  28. sa | Apr 04, 2026
    Discover real money slot sites with user-friendly interfaces, secure payment methods, and hundreds of slot games for endless entertainment. bkkgaming
  29. sa | Apr 04, 2026
    Play on leading real money slot sites with modern designs, smooth navigation, and generous rewards that boost your gaming experience. trex689
  30. sa | Apr 04, 2026
    Find the best real money slot sites with fast transactions, engaging slot features, and rewarding loyalty programs for regular players. vegasautowin
  31. sa | Apr 04, 2026
    Play on trusted real money slot sites with flexible payment options, quick withdrawals, and engaging slot experiences for maximum enjoyment. t89
  32. sa | Apr 04, 2026
    Find premium real money slot sites offering progressive jackpots, free spins rewards, and secure environments for stress-free gaming. akabetvip
  33. sa | Apr 04, 2026
    Join the best real money slot sites with fast payouts, interactive gameplay, and a wide range of slot games for every preference. vegus666
  34. sa | Apr 04, 2026
    Discover real money slot sites offering advanced security features, high RTP games, and generous promotions for better winning chances. p6 สล็อต
  35. sa | Apr 04, 2026
    Enjoy safe real money slot sites with licensed platforms, high-quality games, and attractive bonuses for new and returning players. สล็อต99
  36. sa | Apr 04, 2026
    Experience top real money slot sites offering instant deposits, fast cashouts, and innovative slot gameplay with high winning potential. ok789
  37. sa | Apr 04, 2026
    Play real money slot games on trusted platforms offering smooth gameplay, high RTP rates, and exciting bonus opportunities. m280
  38. sa | Apr 04, 2026
    Enjoy real money slot sites featuring daily bonuses, exciting jackpots, and mobile optimization for seamless gaming anytime and anywhere. 101 tiger
  39. sa | Apr 04, 2026
    Discover real money slot sites offering progressive jackpots, free spins, and reliable payment options for safe and enjoyable gaming. vela24
  40. sa | Apr 04, 2026
    Find trusted real money slot sites offering excellent customer support, high payout games, and frequent bonuses for loyal users. จินดา888
  41. sa | Apr 04, 2026
    Explore high-quality real money slot sites featuring innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and rewarding promotions for endless entertainment. 168bet
  42. sa | Apr 04, 2026
    Play at real money slot sites offering flexible payment options, fast processing times, and a wide range of exciting slot games. ราชา888
  43. sa | Apr 04, 2026
    Explore real money slot sites offering instant deposits, fast cashouts, and hundreds of slot games optimized for both desktop and mobile devices. galaxy auto
  44. sa | Apr 04, 2026
    Discover safe real money slot sites with high payout rates, responsive customer support, and exciting slot themes for all types of players. lucac4
  45. sa | Apr 04, 2026
    Enjoy real money slot sites with daily promotions, loyalty rewards, and immersive slot games designed for maximum entertainment and big wins. n98
  46. sa | Apr 04, 2026
    Play on top real money slot sites featuring secure transactions, exciting jackpots, and smooth mobile gameplay for a premium online casino experience. lasvegas168
  47. sa | Apr 04, 2026
    Discover the best real money slot sites offering high RTP games, fast payouts, and secure payment methods for safe and rewarding online gaming. va9999
  48. sa | Apr 03, 2026
    Step by step guide to set up your tvnado on any device. tvnado
  49. sa | Apr 03, 2026
    This guide explores 1xbet crash game prediction and analyzes popular bot crash 1xbet and crash 1xbet apk tools found online. crash 1xbet
  50. sa | Apr 03, 2026
    Today, we’ll take a closer look at what Fry’s Investment Report offers, how the system operates, and whether it truly delivers on its promises. FRY’S INVESTMENT REPORT

    Child Life Profession