When it comes to wellbeing , it ’ s important to take care of not only our bodies , but also our minds , particularly in our fast-paced industry . The question is , how do we achieve both of these things simultaneously ? To find an answer , Louisa Daley talks to Fiona Bool , director and founder of Dandelion , a company that strives to promote positive workplace wellbeing , about her Movement and Mindfulness concept .

Fiona Bool , director and founder of Dandelion

Movement and Mindfulness “ Movement and Mindfulness is a judgement-free , expressive arts class open to anyone regardless of their previous experience with dance , yoga , music , meditation or spiritual practice ,” says Bool .

But it ’ s not your typical movement class where you follow a set routine , she tells me . “ This class encourages the individual to explore their own mind , body and movement , led by storytelling or sensory props such as ribbons and balloons ,” she explains .

Throughout Bool ’ s classes , individuals are guided by seven primary areas of mindfulness : breath , sound , body , story , mind , spirit and fusion . These areas of mindfulness , Bool says , strive to help participants “ explore their thoughts and connect with movement in a safe space .”

Movement and Mindfulness

“ Movement and Mindfulness is a judgement-free , expressive arts class open to anyone regardless of their previous experience with dance , yoga , music , meditation or spiritual practice .”

classes typically run from 30 to 90 minutes . However , Bool reveals she has recently been working on a series of 10 to 15-minute ‘ break exercises ’, making it ideal for eventprofs to fit into their busy working day .

Wellbeing benefits So , what wellbeing benefits does Movement and Mindfulness offer ? I ask Bool . Apart from physical wellbeing benefits , such as keeping individuals fit , healthy and balanced , using Movement and Mindfulness in a workplace environment has many mental and social wellbeing benefits , too .

For example , “ it ’ s great for social interaction , relationships and team building ,” she reveals . Not only does the class help remove barriers between people and teams , as well

as create mutual respect and awareness , it also allows colleagues to get to know each other in a “ fun and non-threatening manner ,” she says .

On an individual eventprof level , “ Movement and Mindfulness helps improve mood , self-esteem and confidence as well as reduce stress , which ultimately increases happiness ”, she adds . Furthermore , it helps develop attention and concentration levels , which Bool argues can “ open new possibilities for problem-solving , creativity , decision-making and action .”

Whether you want to take part in these classes individually or as a team , taking care of our mental and physical wellbeing has never been more important . So , why not take the chance to disconnect and reconnect now ? CN