Mindfulness Exercises Worksheet
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Practicing mindfulness can be a valuable exercise when feeling anxious, stressed, or helpless. Mindfulness promotes awareness, reflection, and self-soothing skills. These skills can help clients cope with overwhelming feelings and stressful moments in their day.
Teaching clients how to incorporate mindfulness exercises into their routine can help them cope with anxiety, depression, stress, and more. It can also be instrumental in helping them learn ways to manage their emotions when facing life challenges.
About This Worksheet
Mindfulness exercises are about learning how to observe the present moment without judgment. They help the client ground themselves in the present moment and boost awareness of how they interact with their body, mind, and environment. The Mindfulness Exercises worksheet offers four simple exercises that a client can use when feeling overwhelmed.
Daily use of mindfulness exercises is encouraged on this worksheet. The Mindfulness Exercises worksheet is based on mindfulness skills from dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). It can be used as a homework assignment with adolescents and adults in individual and group therapy.
Instructions
Use the Mindfulness Exercises worksheet as a guide to teach and encourage the client to use mindfulness coping skills. Begin by reviewing the worksheet with the client and explaining how to complete each mindfulness exercise. You may also demonstrate each exercise with them in the session.
Instruct the client to practice at least one mindfulness exercise per day for one week. When they return for their next session, reflect on how they feel after practicing mindfulness exercises daily. Ask them reflection questions, like:
- What changes have you noticed in how you experience your thoughts, feelings, and reactions?
- How do you feel the mindfulness exercises have affected your ability to manage stress?
- Which mindfulness exercise did you find especially helpful?
Encourage the client to continue using mindfulness exercises daily. Help them develop a plan for using the exercises when they are experiencing high stress or emotional overwhelm.
References
Linehan, M. M. (2015). DBT skills training manual (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
Marra, T. (2005). Dialectical behavior therapy in private practice: A practical and comprehensive guide. New Harbinger Publications.
