Living in the moment? It may feel like you already do, and not on a good way. Rushing from home to work and from scene to scene without a minute to pause is part of the problem; you don't need a neuroscientist to point out the cumulative effects of this stress.

 

But mindfulness-based stress reduction - literally practicing the pause and centering yourself - has been the subject of hundreds of studies, showing that it helps decrease stress, anxiety, anger, and depression - all of which haunt emergency workers at higher rates than the general population.

 

What meditation is: nonjudgmental awareness of your experience in the moment

​What meditation is not: the ultimate path to enlightenment, unicorns and clouds

 

Let's take a look at the science and research. Mindfulness meditation offers some pretty great stuff for first responders...does any of this sound like something you want?
 

• Decreases stress on the cardiovascular system

• Improves sleep patterns

• Reduces depression and anxiety

• Enhances resilience

 

The simplest form of meditation involves sitting in a comfortable chair or lying on a bed or couch. Some people choose to close their eyes. We encourage you to make a small time commitment and choose a practice that's low maintenance for you. It takes dedication over time, but the benefits can touch every aspect of your life.

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New to meditation or need more convincing? The perfect place to start is this article for law enforcement and emergency responders. “It’s not about going to your happy place. This is not la-la lightweight nonsense."