Dr. Ford Dyke and Olympian Reita Clanton from Auburn University, School of Kinesiology facilitate Mindfulness-Based Performance and Health Optimization© seminars and live virtual sessions. These particular outreach initiatives showcase the importance of supporting a lifestyle related to optimal health and well-being. Seminars and live virtual sessions are available to faculty, staff, students, and members of regional, national, and international organizations.
5 Pillars of Health©
Throughout the seminars and live virtual sessions, Dr. Dyke and Ms. Clanton discuss the adverse impact(s) stress can induce on people. The most simplistic form of stress individuals experience is associated with their physiological needs (e.g., food, water, sleep). Therefore, the 5 Pillars of Health© are designed to provide information regarding the following fundamental requirements: Respiration, Hydration, Nutrition, Movement, and Recovery. Importantly, the 5 Pillars of Health© are the foundation of optimal health and well-being.
Respiration
Hydration
Nutrition
Movement
Recovery
Research
Our team of instructors, faculty, and graduate students published a paper in the Human Kinetics Journal entitled A Framework for Addressing Mental Health Issues on Campus Through the Implementation of Coursework, Outreach, and Partnership Building. We have implemented a framework to address mental health on campus and within our community. Our framework consists of coursework, outreach efforts, and establishing key partnerships to facilitate the delivery and sustainability of our programs. Using a mindfulness-based approach, our programs enable individuals to establish self-regulation skills, thereby establishing effective and healthy coping mechanisms. This paper discusses the evolution of our framework, as well as barriers and facilitators of implementation and sustainability.
Resources
Videos
The Science Behind Mindfulness Meditation
Andy Puddicombe: All it takes is 10 mindful minutes
Gratitude | Louie Schwartzberg | TEDxSF
Articles
Growing Leaders: The Unintended Consequences of Multi-Tasking
Huff Post Healthy Living: Change Your Bedtime, Increase your Brilliance
Elephant Journal: Five Ways Nature Can Soothe our Minds
News Features
The practice of mindfulness-based performance and health optimization (May 2020)
School of Kinesiology offering free month-long virtual sessions on mindfulness (March 2020)
The Tools for Fighting Cancer: How Gardening has become a Wellness Practice
Testimonials
“When I heard about the Live Virtual Mindfulness Sessions I knew it was something that would help me refocus and realign … The sessions were scheduled bright and early, which gave me something to look forward to in the mornings … I learned valuable practices that help me stay present and remain calm … Thank you for the wonderful learning experience … I look forward to continuing my mindfulness journey!”
– Imani Hill, Graduate Student, Auburn University
“Thank you for making the effort and taking your time to offer the [Live] Virtual Mindfulness Sessions … I found the sessions to be very rewarding … The sessions gave me the opportunity to evaluate where I am in my health journey and where I need and want to be … Thank you for the opportunity to participate and learn.”
– Karen Rankin, Manager, Information Technology Services University Outreach, Auburn University
Contact
To schedule a Mindfulness-Based Performance and Health Optimization© seminar and/or virtual instruction session for your department, organization, or cohort, send us an e-mail.