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.
NEW! For Parents & Caregivers
FREE Family Mental Health Course
Learning Life Skills Together (LLST) is a mindfulness-based program by West Chester University that helps parents and caregivers support youth mental health through four core skills—Attention, Balance, Resilience, and Connection.
The YMCA of Greater Brandywine will be offering LLST information sessions to parents and caregivers of children in our Adaptive, Childcare and Teen Programs this Fall 2025.
Take a Few Minutes (Yes, Right Now)
60-Second Breath Rest
Close your eyes, inhale deeply for 4 counts, hold for 2, exhale for 6.
Repeat a few times, noticing your shoulders drop and your thoughts settle.
Sensory Check-In (2 Minutes)
Pause and name: 3 things you can see, 2 things you can hear, 1 thing you can feel.
It grounds you instantly in the present moment.
Mini Gratitude Pause
Take 2–3 minutes to think of one thing that went well today and why it mattered.
This helps shift your mind from autopilot to appreciation.
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. View Classes.
Mental Health is Part of Your Overall Health
Mental health starts with your thoughts - which affect how you feel and ultimately how you act. Mental health also impacts your relationship with others and your physical health, too.
If you are ready to focus on your mental health, read more today.
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.
Try an Evolt Scan for Free!
Our YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) branches now feature body scanners by EVOLT 360, providing you access to a deeper understanding of your health and fitness. Just one scan will provide a comprehensive picture of your health, including bone density, body fat percentage, metabolic age and more - enabling you to set targeted fitness goals.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mental Health and Mindfulness
- Learn more about local Mental Health Services at Chester County MHIDD
- Register for Trainings Today - Chester County Mental Health First Aid Training
- Chester County Suicide Prevention Task Force
- National Suicide Prevention Info
YES! In 2021, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine introduced the Employee Wellness Program (EWP) for our corporate members. Take a peek at the mindfulness offerings for our EWP members.
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.
Heather Bloodworth
Executive Mindfulness Coach
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.