Disability support work is incredibly rewarding, but let’s be real, it can also be fast-paced, unpredictable, and emotionally demanding. Whether you’re helping a participant manage anxiety, navigate a tough day, or stay focused on a task, staying calm and present is key.

That’s where mindfulness comes in.

Mindfulness isn’t just for yoga classes or meditation retreats, it’s a practical, science-backed tool that support workers can use every day to improve communication, reduce stress, and create stronger connections with the people they support.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness simply means paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, without judgment.

It’s about noticing what’s happening around you, and within you, without getting caught up in the chaos. That could mean noticing your breath, observing how a participant is feeling, or simply slowing down and being fully present during a task.

Why Mindfulness Matters in Disability Support

Support work often requires multitasking, emotional regulation, and being there for others in vulnerable moments. Practicing mindfulness can help you and your NDIS Members:

• 🧠 Stay calm in stressful situations

• 💬 Listen more deeply and communicate clearly

• ❤️ Show empathy without burning out

• ⏸️ Respond thoughtfully instead of reacting automatically

And when you’re more grounded, participants pick up on that calm energy too.

Using Mindfulness With Members

You don’t need to run a meditation session to bring mindfulness into your work. Here are simple, practical ways to implement mindfulness with our Members:

1. Mindful Breathing (1–2 minutes)

Guide a Member to take slow, deep breaths. Inhale for 4 seconds, exhale for 6. This can be helpful before leaving the house, when feeling anxious, or to wind down after an activity.

• “Let’s take some deep breaths together before we get started.”

2. Grounding Techniques

Help someone feel calm by focusing on what they can see, hear, or feel:

• “What’s one thing you can hear right now?”

• “Can you feel your feet on the ground?”

This can be a great way to help Members who experience anxiety, sensory overload, or who overthink things to slow down and focus on the present moment.

3. Mindful Moments During Routine Tasks

Whether it’s making tea, going for a walk, or brushing teeth, slow the task down and bring attention to the senses involved.

• “Can you feel the warm water?”

• “Let’s listen to the sound of the kettle while we wait.”

This helps build focus, reduces rushing, and adds calm structure to daily living skills.

4. Body Awareness Check-ins

Encourage Members to notice how their body feels:

• “Are your shoulders relaxed or tense?”

• “Can you feel your feet on the floor?”

This helps them build self-awareness and notice early signs of discomfort or stress.

Using Mindfulness for Yourself

Mindfulness isn’t just for the people you support. It’s also a game changer for you as a Helper.

Try:

• A mindful pause before entering a Member’s home

• Noticing your own breath during challenging moments

• Taking 60 seconds of silence between tasks to reset

• Listen to your body without judgment

Even small, regular moments of mindfulness help reduce burnout and improve job satisfaction.

The Takeaway

Mindfulness doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about showing up fully, noticing, breathing, and responding with care. In the disability support space, that kind of presence can make all the difference, for NDIS Members and for you.

By weaving mindfulness into your daily work, you’re not just offering support, you’re offering a calming, grounded presence that builds trust, encourages growth, and creates a more positive experience for everyone involved.

If you want to learn more about Mindfulness, or you think you would benefit from a guided mindfulness session, you can use the following tools to help develop your mindfulness skillset:

• “Calm” app on the Android and Apple store
• Look up “Guided Mindfulness session” on Youtube
• Look up Mindfulness on Spotify