A Day of Mindfulness

Feb 2024
Culture
3 mins

Here at Fiasco, we’ve always been big advocates of a healthy work-life balance. It’s why we operate flexible working and Summer Hours; because we think – rather, we know – that time well spent outside of the studio walls is just as important in keeping the creative juices flowing, as time spent with our heads down.

That’s why this year, we decided to do things a little differently. We skipped our usual, indulgent Christmas shenanigans (don’t worry, we still went for a celebratory drink or two), in favour of something much more wholesome: a mindfulness day retreat.

A Day of Mindfulness

On a bright, crisp day in January, we downed our usual tools and whisked the full team off to Well Bath for a wellbeing day. Our coach for the day, Nicola of Bath Mindfulness, used to work in the advertising and marketing agency world, so she’s well-versed in the importance of emotional wellbeing in our line of work. She designed the retreat specifically to help us relax, recharge and reconnect with mind, body and soul.

Photograph of Fiasco team at a mindfulness day retreat. In the foreground is a white man sat side on, wearing casual clothing. In the background you can see a fire and a group of people sat around it.

Throughout the day, Nicola shared advice and practical techniques on how to practise mindfulness. Through meditation and movement, we were guided through a series of activities and workshops that got us thinking about mindfulness in both professional and personal contexts. This included everything from how to manage difficult situations, to how to boost self-esteem and how to be mindful of one another.

Photograph of a wooden table with a spread of food laid out. The photo shows a variety of healthy snacks, including homemade cakes, bowls of fruit. At the back of the image it shows a hand pouring a jug of water.

Why Does Mindfulness Matter?

According to recent studies, some 79% of us suffer from work stress. Add to that, an unprecedented cost of living crisis and the events of the past few years, and it’s easy to see why so many of us report feeling utterly burnt out.

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s all too easy to rush through life without stopping to enjoy the journey. Mindfulness is the tonic to that. It’s the act of paying attention to the present moment – to your own thoughts and feelings, and to the world around you. It allows us to slow down and enjoy life at a deeper level.

Photograph of tyre tracks on green grass. In the distance there are a couple of figures walking away.

Becoming more aware of the present moment can help us enjoy the world around us more and understand ourselves better. When we become more aware of the present moment, we begin to experience afresh things that we have been taking for granted. Studies have shown that mindfulness can be incredibly effective in helping with stress, anxiety and depression. Not only this, but it can also help to improve human connection, by reducing stress levels, boosting empathy and keeping the ego in check – desirable qualities in any Fiasco team member.

Photograph shows a group of people sat around a campfire. The fire itself is slightly out of sight on the right, but you can se smoke from the fire. People are sat on the left, and are a range of men and women, all wearing jackets. The day is sunny and bright with a blue sky in the background.

The Effects Are Far Reaching

Our minds are a complex web of the philosophical and psychological, and while unpacking your thoughts might seem daunting at first, those who practise regular mindfulness can find it super beneficial in all aspects of life. Whether that’s allowing yourself to organise your thoughts, or understand how you truly feel about something, many people find the increased self-awareness key for personal growth. Many of us left the retreat feeling the immediate benefits and thinking of how to incorporate mindfulness into our lives going forward.

Photograph of people walking over the hills. Sun is very blue and clear. In the distance there is a group of figures walking away from the camera.

In between group exercises, we were nourished with hearty soups, homemade cakes and hot drinks by the fire. There is something truly special about taking the time to step back from our day-to-day lives and connect with each other in a unique setting.

Despite it being January, there was a sense of spring in the air and an excitement for the year that stretched ahead, as we looked out over the rolling hills together. At the end of the day, we left feeling refreshed, energised and ready to take on 2024.