Research is starting to demonstrate that practicing mindfulness can bring improvements in both physical and psychological symptoms as well as positive changes in health, attitudes, and behaviors.

In response to these findings, the Todd County Extension Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences taught the workshop Mindfulness & Meditation for the Todd County Extension Homemaker Association in November, 2019. Emphasis was placed on understanding the different types of mindfulness practices, the role of mindfulness and mediation in health, and ways to adopt meditation techniques.  

Of those surveyed, 100% of the participants reported an increase in their level of understanding of mindfulness; 89% percent plan to incorporate mindfulness techniques into their daily lives and 89% plan to adopt mediation practices in their daily routine to improve their health. 

As a follow-up to the class, the Todd County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences saw this post in a Todd County Homemaker Facebook Group in late September, approximately 10 months after the lesson:

Homemaker 1: “Ugh! Six + months of masking, self-imposed isolation, handwashing social distancing and more.  I cannot begin to tell you the time I have gone back to the “Mindfulness” lesson Homemaker 2 led for our club.   The feel of being in the moment (and out of a C19 worrying frenzy) and just breathing while enjoying each breath has kept me saner on some insanely long days.  Who knew how our lives would all be upended by C19 and hate and politics and rudeness and rioting?  Yet here we are.

Being mindful of the most ordinary things is making a difference for me.  This was a lesson that sticks with me. Thanks Homemaker 2, you can lead us with your soft calm voice any time you want! I think we all need it! “

Homemaker 2 commented:  “I use the breathing techniques every day…Last Fall, no one had any idea what was ahead.   Thank you, Todd County Extension FCS Agent, for teaching this lesson to club leaders!  It was a blessing to many of us!”