Being mindful means paying attention—and keeping our attention—in the present moment, rather than allowing our attention to become distracted or carried away by thoughts and worries about the past or the future. We can press the pause button on these thoughts and rest our attention in the present, which can give us needed relief and boost our mental health and well-being. According to the Mayo Clinic, “practicing mindfulness exercises can have many possible benefits, including reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, lessening negative thinking and distraction, and improving mood”.1

Mindfulness practices provide us with tools for resilience, stress relief, and inner confidence. At the Y we provide a variety of options to assist you in this practice.

1. Mayo Clinic Health System (2020). Use Mindfulness to Improve Well-Being.
 

Mindfulness at the YMCA of Greater Brandywine.

Mindfulness Programs

At the YMCA of Greater Brandywine, we’re committed to your whole health. This means that in addition to the wonderful facilities, equipment, and classes that we provide for physical exercise, we’re bringing you Mindfulness programming to support your mental health.

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A diverse YMCA family of four showing a mother, father, elementary-aged son and daughter pose with bicycles while smiling at the camera.

Family Whole Health Challenge

Family Whole Health is a nine-week program providing health, wellness, and nutrition resources to help your family live a healthy and whole life. Participants will explore the many factors of health with trained experts and educators, including healthy behaviors, good eating habits, movement, managing stress and getting better sleep. Enrollment is limited.

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YMCA360 at the YMCA of Greater Brandywine

Virtual Programs

Our vast virtual offerings at YMCA360 provide a Mind & Body category. So, take a deep breath and start your mindful journey with this active, meditative collection of programs. Don't have a login yet? Learn more. 

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Meet Heather

Mental Health and Wellness Program Director

Heather Bloodworth

Executive Mindfulness Coach

610-643-9622, ext. 2156
hbloodworth@ymcagbw.org

Heather has a BA in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin, and is currently attending the University of California for certification in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, as well as completing a two-year Mindfulness certificate through the Awareness Training Institute, Sounds True, and the Greater Good Science Center affiliated with and based at the University of California, Berkeley. Heather also holds a 200-hour Yoga Instructor Certification and is a national YMCA leadership and development trainer.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mental Health and Mindfulness

Where do I find mental health resources in Chester County?

Does the YMCA provide wellness programs for company employees?

YES! In 2021, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine introduced the Employee Wellness Program (EWP) for our corporate members. Learn more about how to invite in your employees today. You can also review the mindfulness offerings for our EWP corporate members. 

Are there any mindfulness program offerings for students, teachers and school districts?

YES! The Y can focus on material specific to your school. Covering beginning strategies and knowledge of mindfulness to help reduce stress, anxiety and conflict. Helping create a positive outlook, encouraging positive school culture and good choices. Teachers and staff want to use mindfulness to help students be more supportive, nurturing, and kind. Learn more.

Learn More about Mindfulness and Healthy Living