Preparing budding lawyers for the cut-throat profession they are about to enter has been a priority item for a UK university who are introducing a mindfulness and meditation programme for students.

The BPP University follows research shows that shows two thirds of solicitors in England and Wales experienced high levels of stress. Only eight per cent described their work stress levels as “low”, whereas more than 75 per cent said that stress was a significant issue in the profession.

The same applies to similar surveys in the US, Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere, where stress is consistently shown to be a major factor across the board.

High stress levels go with other issues like substance abuse, depression and suicide so these are all issues that lawyers need to be able to deal with.

And using mindfulness and meditation to ease stress is not particularly difficult.

Mindfulness meditation involves increased awareness of the present moment. With practice, it can be utilized anywhere and can bring lasting stress relief benefits.

This simple meditation technique can be learned quickly and is considered by many to be one of the easiest meditations for stress relief.

What Is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the practice of becoming more fully aware of the present moment— non-judgmentally and completely — rather than dwelling in the past or projecting into the future.

It generally involves a heightened awareness of sensory stimuli (really noticing your breathing, feeling the sensations of your body, etc.) and being "in the now.

"While mindfulness has origins in Eastern philosophy and Buddhism, there is no necessary religious component to mindfulness.
Anyone with any belief system can enjoy the benefits of mindfulness.How Is Mindfulness Attained?
Mindfulness can be achieved through meditation, but one can also practice mindfulness through daily living.

Simply focusing on the present moment and quieting your inner dialogue can help you attain mindfulness.