Department of Occupational therapy

Bangladesh Health Professions Institute (BHPI)

3rd year B. Sc in Occupational Therapy
Subject: OT 301 Psychosocial and Psychiatric Occupational Therapy

Mindfulness
Definition
According to Holfmann et al.,2010, Mindfulness is a state of being aware of one’s sensation,
thoughts, bodily states, consciousness, and the environment, while also being accepting, open,
and curious. (Cara and MacRane 2013)
It is a meditation-based practice whose aim is to increase one’s sense of being in the present.
Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment and
non-judgmentally.

Basic Principle’s
There are 7 principles of mindfulness. And they are given bellow:
1. Non-judging
2. Beginner’s mind
3. Non striving
4. Acceptance
5. Patience
6. Trust
7. Letting go

Mindfulness is practiced in mental health disorders

 Schizophrenia or other psychotic illness
 Anxiety disorder
 Depression
 Phobias
 Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
 Eating disorder
 Evidence based treatment for borderline personality disorder

Importance/ Benefit
Almost everyone can benefit from incorporating the techniques and philosophies of mindfulness
into their lives.
 Being present focused
 Boost the good feelings
 Reduce stress reactivation

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Abdullah Al Mamun Rafi/OT 301 Psychosocial and Psychiatric OT/3 year OT
 Department of Occupational therapy
Bangladesh Health Professions Institute (BHPI)
3rd year B. Sc in Occupational Therapy
Subject: OT 301 Psychosocial and Psychiatric Occupational Therapy
 Increase mental vigor

Mindful Eating
Chocolate exercise.
 Take a couple of deep breaths. Just to allow the body and mind to settle a bit and to be
present with this activity.
 Take a moment to appreciate this piece of chocolate. Where has it come from? What’s in
it, try an imagine the different ingredients in their natural growing environment.
 Before you begin to eat it, take pause, to notice if there is any feeling of importance of
impulsively wanting to eat it as quickly as possible.
 Slowly unwrap the piece of chocolate and the take a good minute or so to explore it with
your eyes, nose and hands. Look at it closely, smell it carefully and then touch it to see
how it feels.
 Take a small bite, try and resist chewing the chocolate. Notice how it feels in the mouth
the temperature and the texture. I see sweet, bitter, creamy. Allow the chocolate to melt
in mouth by moving it around with

Reference:

Cara, E. and A. MacRane (2013). Psychosocial Occupational Therapy AN EVOLVING PRACTICE

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Abdullah Al Mamun Rafi/OT 301 Psychosocial and Psychiatric OT/3 year OT