Taking the WOO WOO out of mental health

Mindful Builder

Today we’re joined by good friend and psychologist, Julie Mounter to discuss a topic that’s often misunderstood but incredibly powerful: mindfulness. If you’ve ever dismissed mindfulness as "woo woo" nonsense, stick around—this conversation will change your mind.

Julie kicked things off by explaining that mindfulness is essentially cultivating a practice of awareness—becoming aware of your thoughts and feelings from a distance rather than getting entangled in them. Julie also assured us that, despite some common misconceptions, mindfulness is firmly grounded in scientific research.

Numerous studies illustrate its benefits, including increased grey matter in the brain, which is linked to memory, empathy, and stress regulation. It also decreases activity in the amygdala, the brain's stress-response centre.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) courses have become a popular way to learn and practice mindfulness. Julie highly recommends these structured programs for those looking to dive deeper.

Real-Life Applications of Mindfulness

Mindfulness doesn’t look the same for everyone so we went through some of the different ways it can be practiced. Julie highlighted breathing exercises and mindful eating as simple starting points. By focusing on the taste, texture, and sensation of what we're eating, we can become more grounded and move away from racing thoughts. Whatever you’re doing, the key is to engage fully with the present moment, paying attention to the sensations of the activity.

Hamish shared that gardening and exercise are activities that he finds incredibly grounding, and Julie confirmed that these can be mindful activities if approached correctly. By focusing on the sensations—be it the bend in your knee while walking or the texture of the soil in your garden—you can shift your attention from racing thoughts to your physical experience.

Julie even took us through a simple mindfulness exercise involving our five senses. It’s something anyone can do, even while driving or working on-site. Here’s a quick rundown:

Sight: Identify five things you can see.

Sound: Listen for four distinct sounds.

Smell: Notice three different smells.

Taste: Recognise two tastes in your mouth.

Touch: Feel the texture of one object nearby as if it’s your first time touching it.

This practice helps ground you in the present moment, making it an excellent tool for quick mental resets during a busy day.

The Big Question: Does Mindfulness Work for Everyone?

While not everyone may find traditional mindfulness practices easy, Julie believes most people can benefit from some form of mindful activity. The key is to find what works for you and make it a consistent practice. An easy way to do this is to attach your mindfulness to a daily task. For example, practising mindfulness after turning off your alarm in the morning or during your commute to work. Setting reminders can also serve as a helpful nudge.

We hope this episode helps to demystify mindfulness and encourage more people to give it a try. Whether it’s through a structured course or simply appreciating a coffee mug’s warmth, the benefits are there for anyone willing to take that first step.

LINKS:

Connect with our Guest:

Website: https://www.allmindspsychology.com.au/

Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram: @sanctumhomes

Website: www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt:

Instagram: @carlandconstructions

Website: www.carlandconstructions.com/