Allegheny Health Network Makes Free Virtual Mindfulness Sessions Available to All

Next Zoom Session Set for Monday, June 28

PITTSBURGH, PA – Dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic over the past year has brought increased stress on our relationships, our jobs, and our sense of well-being. Escaping the fears and anxiety caused by the virus can seem nearly impossible.

Recognizing that so many people are experiencing heightened stress, Allegheny Health Network (AHN) is now offering the public a chance to participate in free virtual mindfulness classes. Called “Take a Deep Breath and Learn How to Relax With Us,” these hour-long classes will offer tips and tools to help with good daily decision-making, stress management, and overall health and well-being.

Mindfulness – a process of training one’s attention and awareness by focusing on the immediate moment  -  offers many research-proven benefits, according to the American Psychological Association. They include reduction of stress and anxiety, boosts to memory and focusing ability, an increased ability to control thoughts, and even better relationship satisfaction.

The program is presented by the Chill Project at AHN, which has brought mindfulness training to students and teachers at several local school districts, and AHN’s Volunteer Resources Department.

“Through our work in local schools, we have seen first-hand the value of mindfulness training in helping people cope with life’s stressors,” said Will Davies, Ed.D., manager of the Chill Project at AHN. “Knowing the increased stress people are feeling due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we thought this was an ideal time to make mindfulness training available to all.”

Two sessions are held on the fourth Monday of every month and can be accessed via Zoom or by phone. The next meeting will be on Monday, June 28.

10:00am: Meeting ID: 962 6275 3296 Passcode: 675109 https://zoom.us/

Join by phone at 1-301-715-8592

6:00pm Meeting ID: 962 2399 5002 Passcode: 675109 https://zoom.us/

Join by phone at 1-312-626-6799

No registration is necessary. The program is available to anyone, including AHN and Non-AHN patients, caregivers and staff.