Mindful May: A Month to Come Back to Yourself

Every year, May brings a timely reminder that mental wellbeing matters just as much as your overall health. Mindful in May is a global initiative founded by Melbourne-based psychiatrist Dr Elise Bialylew, built around one simple idea: setting aside a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness.

What Is Mindfulness, Really?

Mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment, on purpose and without judgement. It’s not about clearing your mind or achieving a particular state – it’s simply about noticing what’s happening right now, in your body, your breath, and your surroundings.

What Does the Research Say?

Research into mindfulness continues to grow. A 2018 research study co-authored by Dr Bialylew found that ten minutes of daily mindfulness practice was associated with improvements in areas such as stress management, focus and increased self-awareness.

Meta-analyses published in peer-reviewed journals also explored mindfulness-based interventions in relation to psychological wellbeing and stress-related symptoms. (For a thorough overview of the evidence, see the Australian Psychological Society’s guidance on mindfulness.)

Where Breath Meets the Body

At Dalkeith Chiropractic, Dr Jenae Reid (Chiropractor) incorporates Somato Respiratory Integration (SRI), a practice developed alongside NetworkSpinal that uses breath, awareness, and gentle touch to encourage relaxation, body awareness, and mindfulness.

While SRI is not a replacement for mindfulness practice or mental health care, some people choose to incorporate it as part of their broader wellbeing routine. We invite you to slow down, tune in, and become more aware of how you feel in the present moment.

SRI and mindfulness both start in the same place, with breath, awareness, and paying attention to how you’re feeling in the present moment.”

— Dr Jenae