Breath, Body, Mind is a 6 week course that helps unpaid carers like you learn easy breathing and movement exercises, to build resilience, feel less stressed and worried.
Scientists have researched these breathing exercises for years, and they really help people feel calmer.
Breath, Body, Mind exercises can be adapted to most abilities, e.g. done sitting
Who are Breath, Body, Mind courses for?
Breath Body, Mind is recommended in research and by clinicians for carers to help reduce stress and support them in their caring role.
Our project is for unpaid carers who live in York or nearby villages.
An unpaid carer is someone who looks after a family member, partner, or friend because they are sick, disabled, have a mental health problem, or an addiction – and they don’t get paid for helping.
What happens on the course?
A trained Breath, Body, Mind teacher leads small group classes for up to 10 carers.
The teacher shows you ways to slow down your breathing, calm your body, and boost your energy.
Each class lasts three hours, and gives time for you to meet other carers, and chat with staff.
Carers are provided with resources and encouraged to keep doing the exercises at home every day, to get the most from the course.
Courses are either in person at community venues or online.
We may invite you to share your experiences of using this service to contribute to our research.
Breath, Body, Mind exercises reduce stress and anxiety
Our previous work using Breath, Body, Mind
In 2024 we carried out a pilot project to test how useful Breath Body, Mind was for unpaid carers in York. To read about this project click here.
Find Out More about the evidence for Breath, Body, Mind
To find out more about the evidence behind Breath, Body, Mind Practices watch this video (the first 40 mins is about the science behind the programme; then there is a practice session at 40.55 minutes into the video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsFWg8yUPm8&t=40m55s
Interesting fact about breathing!
In the UK we breathe at an average of 15 breaths per minute. As recently as 1939, the average breath rate in the UK was five breaths per minute! This tells us that the pace and stresses of modern life have affected our breathing and our health. Coherent Breathing balances our nervous system so we can feel both relaxed and energised, even in stressful situations.
What does it cost to attend a Breath, Body, Mind course?
All Breath, Body, Mind courses are fully funded (FREE to you), thanks to the players of the National Lottery who have made this project possible.
Upcoming Breath Body Mind Courses (by area)
York
Acomb Methodist church (1.30pm – 4.30pm) on following Thursday afternoons:
