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Is there a link between ‘anti-boredom’ and mindfulness?

img_0698Mindfulness encourages us to be present in the here and now, and accepting.. While useful and wonderful how many of us honestly have the self-discipline needed to practice regularly?  In hospital this isn’t something you can do all the time, and few will be already prepared in this way…

For most of us doing something is a much more natural way to become present in the here and now and become focused. Doing something brings a ‘holiday for the mind’. Simple but skilled activities such as adult-colouring brings moments of joy. Getting absorbed allows an escape from worries while hands get suitably busy. Doing ‘nothing’ is sadly not that, but often brings rumination and worry especially for those in hospital.

While mindfulness should be encouraged, it would be a kindness to also offer simpler, less demanding ways to become present for those who are unwell.

Change time in hospital for those who going through difficult times into an opportunity to try something new.  What would be your anti-boredom?

 

 

What is the Anti-boredom Campaign about?

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“Boredom”

The Anti-boredom Campaign’s first aim is to encourage people to see and acknowledge boredom in hospitals.  It seems obvious but it isn’t.. It’s been accepted as normal.

The Campaign is already a success in starting to bring awareness and acknowledge that it is real, which is needed to bring about change..  Been amazed how much staff can then see it and also want to help – we all do!

The second aim is to spark research. While there are plenty of wonderful creative projects giving evidence of the benefits – what has been missing is how people can feel miserable without anything. The other half – of what it’s like without – of boredom for so many needs to be highlighted.  Boredom needs to  be explored and understood to bring about change..

The third aim is to create beautiful and inspiring resources for adults..  We have just one example of a booklet anyone can print out and use – but we want to create more with funding. There is no single answer to boredom – but we do need to try and inspire people to no longer enter passivity and how that makes you feel, but have options and materials..  Ideally there needs to be creative people in hospitals to really bring that genuine passion for doing and exploring what can be done while someone may be limited to just their bed..

What difference will it all make?  Our hope is that it will help bring moments of joy to people during difficult times to focus elsewhere, to have more control over something they can do for themselves, and to help staff connect with patients as people rather than patients..

Being creative is about being prepared to think differently, and that’s what’s needed for change in hospital – but also for someone who is unwell to adapt to their new way of life.. Let there be moments of joy..