Mastermind: Workplace Wellness That Works

Welcome to our newest Mastermind facilitator, Dr. Desiree' Knoch! 🌟

We're thrilled to have the brilliant, compassionate, and inspiring Desiree' join our team. She brings a unique blend of expertise as a software engineer, behavioral scientist, and certified mindfulness facilitator. Her mindfulness journey began in 2016 when she attended her first Mastermind meditation class - talk about coming full circle!

Desiree's strengths include:
• Weaving behavioral science research with traditional mindfulness practices
• Applying neuroscience to holistic well-being strategies
• Bridging technology and wellness through her software engineering background

With a PhD in Psychological Science from UT Dallas, Desiree' is passionate about helping individuals and organizations foster greater well-being. When she's not enlightening and relaxing clients, you might find her globetrotting with family or chasing dogs in her North Dallas backyard!

Join us in welcoming Desiree' to the Mastermind family! 🙌

This powerful phrase is one of our favorite ways of defining mindfulness! It invites us to fully engage and be present in the current moment. It reminds us to focus on what's happening right now, rather than getting lost in thoughts about the past or worries about the future.

Just like our feet are firmly planted in the present, we can ground ourselves in the here and now.

Embracing each step we take and immersing ourselves in the present moment – even if we’re not barefoot in the grass! – allows us to appreciate life's little moments and find clarity and purpose in all that we do.

So, let's be where our feet are, and let the present moment become our anchor in this ever-changing world.

Thrilled to spotlight our amazing partners at HITT Contracting Inc. 🏗️✨

What stands out about HITT? Their dedication to team cohesion and well-being, even in the demanding field of data center construction. Their fast-growing company is proof that you can achieve outstanding performance while also creating a positive work environment.

Huge shoutout to Chris Jewell, Daniel Diaz, and Aeisha John (pictured) for embodying HITT's values on-site. And a big thank you to Jon Duffey, James Reinhardt, and Shelby Neu for making this partnership thrive behind the scenes.

HITT, you're setting the bar high for workplace culture in construction. Here's to building not just data centers, but also strong, resilient teams! 💪🏼

What do you love most about your workplace? Share below!

I'm always on the lookout for science-backed techniques to improve our well-being. Have you seen the "alpha bridge sleep hack" that is helping people doze off faster?! 💤

Here's the scoop:
1️⃣ Close your eyes, count to 30
2️⃣ Open slightly, count to 5
3️⃣ Repeat steps 1-2
4️⃣ Focus on deep nasal breathing

Why it works: This technique helps transition your brain from active beta waves to relaxed alpha waves, priming you for sleep.

Remember, pair it with a calming bedtime routine for best results.

Have you tried this hack? Share your experiences below!

Sweet dreams, everyone! 💤

Read more here: https://www.eatthis.com/alpha-bridge-sleep-hack/

.thriveguru

I’m excited to share insights from my brilliant friend and colleague, Jennifer Ventrelle, MS, RDN, author of "The Official MIND Diet"! 📚

Did you know? Following the MIND diet closely can reduce Alzheimer's risk by a whopping 53%! Even moderate adherence lowers risk by 35%. That's some food for thought! 🤯

Key MIND Diet principles:
🌱 Embrace plant-based foods (whole grains, beans, leafy greens)
🐟 Enjoy lean proteins like fish and poultry
🥩 Limit high saturated fat and animal-based foods

Ready to nourish your 🧠? Check out Jennifer's mouth-watering MIND Diet recipes or consider booking her as a corporate wellness speaker!

Let's grow a happier, healthier world together - one person and one workplace at a time. Your brain will thank you! 🙏

Here’s the book - https://theofficialminddiet.com/

Today, I am incredibly grateful for many things, especially my two amazing boys, Beck and Owen. However, like many, I find it easy to lose sight of these blessings and get caught up in stress and a never-ending to-do list.

To counter this, I consciously step back and ask myself, "What's NOT wrong?" This question helps shift my brain's focus from survival-oriented negativity to an open and curious search for what's right.

I recently shared this approach during a mindfulness session with a PR firm, where we practiced gratitude by acknowledging simple blessings such as our feet, heartbeat, chair, running water, and internet connectivity.

A participant later mentioned how focusing on what isn't wrong revealed that there was not much wrong in their life, after all. Practicing gratitude doesn't deny pain and stress but rather acknowledges what is working, providing our brains with a balanced perspective. This shift enhances mental strength and resilience, preparing us to face any challenges ahead.

Consider asking yourself, "What's not wrong?" regularly, especially in challenging moments.

Sometimes getting caught up in overthinking can be like a never ending loop, where thoughts swirl around in all directions. Whether you find yourself dwelling on things that are beyond your control replaying conversations in your mind or fretting about what the future holds, please know that you're not alone.

Practicing mindfulness can make a difference;

👉 Recognize the Habit: Acknowledge overthinking as a behavior that many individuals grapple with.
👉 Create Mental Breathing Room: Visualize spaciousness to foster clarity and tranquility.
👉 Observe with Empathy: Approach your thoughts with compassion of getting entangled in them.
👉 Stay Grounded in the Present: Utilize mindfulness strategies to anchor yourself in the here and now.

Don't allow overthinking to take control of your life.

During the workday, taking a few moments to breathe can really make a difference! Our Mastermind mobile app sends reminders to take breaks and practice mindfulness helping you maintain balance and focus.

🌱 Mindfulness anytime anywhere
🌿 Evidence based stress relief
🌼 Finding peace in the moment

Join a growing community of individuals and businesses dedicated to cultivating mental wellness & resilience. Treat yourself to moments of mindfulness no matter how hectic your schedule.

Discover more about our wellness programs at Mastermind Meditate - https://www.mastermindmeditate.com/.

TFW you’re walking out of a speaking event, feeling joyful, fulfilled, and of service! I’m so grateful that I get to share with others the things that have changed my own life – like that there’s actually SCIENCE behind emotions, and we can learn it and use it to better ourselves, our work, and our relationships!

This feeling is just one reason I’m celebrating a hugely successful and impactful first half of 2024. I’m looking forward to more to come in Q3 and Q4… AFTER I unplug for several days for quality time with family and nature. If you’re celebrating July 4th, I wish you moments of true freedom with time unplugged and in the present moment.

Did you know that work stress can significantly impact personal lives? 🤯

According to recent statistics from Headspace, 77% of employees say work stress has negatively affected their physical health, while 75% have experienced weight gain due to stress.

At Mastermind, we understand the importance of *proactively* supporting employee well-being. That's why we offer a range of programming designed to help individuals manage work stress effectively.

Together, let's prioritize employee well-being and create a healthier, happier workplace. 💪

We had a record-breaking month in May, helping 1,000+ employees at 10+ companies in 7+ countries celebrate Mental Health Awareness month by investing in their mental strength and resilience. 👏

We love working with organizations and teams to grow happier, healthier, more compassionate workplaces!

Happy Say 'Hi' Day! 👋 Today, let's take a moment to spread kindness and positivity by simply saying 'hi' to those around us.

In the midst of our busy lives, a small greeting can go a long way in brightening someone's day and fostering connections. As we navigate stress and challenges, let's remember the power of reaching out and acknowledging others.

Based on research findings shared in the Journal of Social Psychology, it's been revealed that even brief social exchanges with strangers, like a simple hello, possess the ability to uplift our mood and diminish sentiments of loneliness and social detachment.

Incorporate this practice into your daily routine, especially during moments of stress or tension. Pause, take a breath, and extend a friendly greeting to someone nearby. You'll not only lift their spirits but yours too! ☀️

Happy World Environment Day! 🌍

Today, let's celebrate our planet and reflect on how we can nurture and protect it for future generations.

Did you know that small, mindful actions can make a big difference in preserving our environment? Whether it's reducing plastic waste, conserving energy, or supporting sustainable practices, each choice we make has an impact.

Join us in honoring World Environment Day by taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of nature and pledging to make sustainable choices. Together, we can create a healthier, more sustainable world for all. 🌱

Playing with my new Buddha Board, a gift from my friend and fellow Mastermind expert Dr. Adrianne Bagley.

This canvas is a great lesson in impermanence, because you paint with water that disappears within minutes.

Letting go is a lesson I’m always seeking to learn more deeply, which is why I enjoy painting mindfully on this board as a brain break during a busy day at the office!

Not only will playing with a Buddha Board help you cultivate non-attachment – it will also help you recharge your brain!

The is a great advocate for meaningful brain breaks like this water doodling that allow your mind to recharge throughout the day, improving both well-being and performance at work.

How to fall sleep quickly 😴

Check out our CEO Dorsey Standish's recent feature in this new article by New York Post's Tracy Swartz for a "game-changer" trick to quickly fall asleep -- https://uk.style.yahoo.com/m-doctor-game-changer-trick-213950098.html

We are grateful that sleep continues to be a popular topic for our Mastermind keynotes, trainings, and media features, because sleep is the foundation of brain health!

I’m a doctor — here’s my ‘game-changer’ trick to quickly fall asleep Knock yourself out!

We have already said goodbye to April showers and summer in the Northern Hemisphere is right around the corner. With sunny mornings becoming more and more frequent, it is time to take full advantage!

Taking 5-10 minutes outside to get sunlight on your eyes has incredible impacts on our wellbeing. Leave a ☀️ in the comments if you are spending more time outside!

Belated cheers to Jennifer Ventrelle () on tying the knot! 🎉💍

Not only does she excel as our mindfulness facilitator and MIND Diet author, but she also practices what she preaches in the kitchen!

In their recent wedding, Jennifer and her husband Jason kept their commitment to clean eating – and shared it with others! They whipped up gallons of their homemade salad dressing to serve with a MIND Diet friendly salad for each of their wedding guests! Talk about dedication to wellness and good food and healthy brains!

I am so grateful to have Jennifer as a part of my team and support her in this new chapter. Here's to a lifetime of love, health, and delicious brain healthy meals! 🥗❤️

Chances are you or someone you love has dealt with a mental health condition.

Our current treatment strategies aren’t doing enough. These staggering numbers are on the rise, and they disproportionately affect our youth. Half of these 50% develop a mental disorder before the age of 14!

We need to change the conversation to be about *proactive* mental health care, rather than treating mental illness.

No matter our histories, we can all benefit from greater mental resilience strategies to help us weather the inevitable challenges and ups and downs of life.

No one should have to get a diagnosis or go through a crisis to start training their brains for greater stability and resilience.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, take a moment to reflect – what do you do on a regular basis to care proactively for your most vital organ, your brain?

Our CEO Dorsey Standish visited Good Morning Texas yesterday to talk about the five stress languages. Stress is a topic near and dear to us at Mastermind because our work revolves around building resiliency to help us better manage the stressors we encounter at work, at home and in other aspects of our lives. Take a look at the clip and let us know your stress language in the comments!

https://www.wfaa.com/article/entertainment/television/programs/good-morning-texas/do-you-know-your-stress-language/287-c15f5300-c858-4937-81f1-ba90a83bc7b7

I'm excited to extend an invitation to you all for our new free workshop, Bring Mindfulness to Clients & Colleagues, happening on May 21st!

During this webinar, we'll explore practical strategies and proven techniques to integrate science-based wellness practices into your coaching, consulting, or corporate leadership roles. Together, we can make small shifts to build resilience, focus, and overall well-being in the workplace.

Learn more and reserve your spot here: https://www.mastermindmeditate.com/how-to-share-mindfulness

I recently taught a class for one of our favorite Mastermind clients, AMN Healthcare!

One of the most common questions I get asked is, “How do you not just offer mindfulness training to employees, but truly transform the workplace culture?”

There are many possible solutions to this, including targeted assessments and culture audits, which is where our organizational consulting comes in.

To get started however, there is one small thing we’ve done that’s been helpful across industries:

Training internal workplace wellness champions who can also lead *proactive* mental resilience practices on site, and be advocates for positive stress resilience and mental wellness practices for all.

AMN does a great job of nominating internal wellness champions who help promote our sessions and other offerings to create a culture of well-being at work.

Our new six week mental resilience certification empowers trainees with knowledge of the neuroscience of stress and resilience, the three R’s for Resilience framework, and simple 2-5-minute science based resilience exercises suitable for any environment, from an active construction site to an elementary school to a law firm.

If you’re looking for a corporate wellness strategy that goes beyond checking the box and works toward sustainable, long-term solutions, get in touch!

Let’s normalize REST! (It’s easier when you have a cozy couch in your office and an adorable dog to snuggle with ;).)

I’ve recently gotten in the habit of taking an afternoon “mindful nap” with a 10-minute non-sleep deep rest practice to restore cognitive energy and replenish dopamine levels in the brain.

I shared about this practice and more in my new Make Sleep Your Superpower keynote which I presented to Barnes Thornburg to celebrate Well-Being Week in Law.

As a new mom seeking to balance work and family life with personal well-being, this practice has been invaluable. I love how my personal journey can inspire and inform my work in the world!

Did you know laughter can be mindful too?

Beyond just brightening our mood, it has remarkable effects on our bodies and minds. Laughter strengthens our hearts, encourages deeper breaths, and cultivates a stronger mental and physical connection, especially when shared in a safe, relaxed environment.

Plus, it boosts dopamine levels, essential for energy, focus, and motivation. So, let's embrace laughter not just for its joy, but for its mindful benefits too!

P.S. This month is mental health awareness month! Take an extra moment or two to check in with your own mental health and schedule in some laughter. ♥️

"And, it’s not just me – decades of mindfulness research support this idea that regular mindfulness practice can result in mental health benefits like reduced stress, better mood, and decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression." - Dorsey Standish, CEO of @

If you are into mental health, mindfulness or maybe a bit of both, then our monthly blog is for YOU.

Dorsey Standish describes the personal experiences of burnout that led her to establish Mastermind, a wellness firm that brings evidence-based minfulness practices to companies.

This is just the beginning of our journey with Dorsey. In May, we will be diving into practical stress management techniques for parents during the summer time, and in Septemeber we are digging into how we can use technology mindfully. Stay tuned!



LINK to blog: https://mindblossom.org/recalibrate-your-mental-health-with-mindfulness/

For many years I thought I wasn’t creative because I was an engineer. Only recently have I realized that creativity is a core value for me, so one of my 2024 focus areas has been nurturing creativity through artistic expression.

I had a great opportunity to do just that for my wife Mari’s birthday a few weeks ago! We did a Painting with a Twist class and enjoyed HOP WTR while painting with acrylics.

I love this photo of our finished products because it totally represents our two personalities – Mari, in her own world enjoying the moment and painting something totally different than the teacher, an abstract Jackson Hole mountain interpretation; and me, anxiously copying the teacher’s every move and bringing her over to help me twice so I get it “right” 😆.

Despite these endearing personality quirks, the most important part was doing something different and being creative together, focusing on the process of creativity, rather than judging the outcome.

What do you do for date nights or special occasions? Do you consider yourself creative? How do you bring creativity into daily life?

Happy belated birthday !

Lauren's journey with our Mastermind's Mindfulness Facilitator Certification program speaks volumes about the transformative power of mindfulness in both personal and professional spheres.

We are deeply grateful to have met Lauren through this experience and wish her the best of luck as she starts on her exciting new chapter with the invaluable mindfulness tools she's acquired. Read her full testimonial below and be inspired!

“Participating in Mastermind’s Mindfulness Facilitator Certification program has been a pivotal chapter in my life, both personally and professionally. My career has spanned diverse fields—from being a professional athlete to working in accounting, real estate management, and DEI. While I’ve always been committed to promoting happiness and well-being, finding a way to integrate my varied experiences into a singular, impactful mission was challenging. Under Dorsey Standish’s expert guidance, mindfulness became the lens through which I could finally see a clear path forward.

The mentorship-style Certification program offered by Mastermind was exactly what I needed. It allowed me to delve deeply into my own mindfulness practice, align my professional endeavors with my core values, and develop essential skills to foster inclusivity and well-being in the workplace. The journey has been profoundly transformative, equipping me with the knowledge and confidence to launch Harmonna Inclusive Wellbeing.

As I stand on the brink of this exciting new venture, I’m filled with gratitude for the Mastermind team and the mentorship I received. The program has not just equipped me with tools for professional growth but has also been a journey of personal healing and discovery. I’m eagerly looking forward to continuing my work with Mastermind and exploring the endless possibilities this path has opened up for me.”

If you're curious about how mindfulness can enhance your own life or the culture of your workplace, let's connect. Reach out to learn more about our programs and how we can support your journey towards greater well-being and success.

We're excited our own, Jennifer Ventrelle will be sharing her expertise for our client AMN Healthcare on longevity this month. As the Lead Dietitian on groundbreaking studies like the MIND Diet Trial to Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease, Jennifer is at the forefront of research on brain health and cognition.

We're proud to see Jennifer representing our company and spreading her wealth of knowledge in the field of nutrition, physical activity, and mindfulness. Stay tuned for insights and highlights from her talk as we continue to prioritize wellness and growth within our community!