It’s been a tough few years for many of us after living through the isolation and rigours of the pandemic. Stress and anxiety is all around us and being cited by more and more people as a reason for illness and absence from work.

It's no surprise, therefore, that mindfulness is becoming such a popular tool with which to tackle this mental-health epidemic. Living in the moment, rather than catastrophising about the future and ruminating about the past, can offer genuine life-changing benefits. 

When combining this form of meditation with nature, the effects can be even more profound; being out in the fresh air surrounded by trees, water and wildlife is hugely therapeutic.

It's this very concept that has inspired former Welsh Border Life editor turned qualified mindfulness teacher Catherine Waterfall to launch Good4Mind, a new mindfulness venture designed to help individuals, groups and those in the workplace to overcome the debilitating effects of anxiety and stress.

As well as offering bespoke packages, Good4Mind are staging a number of events for people to attend. The first - an introduction to mindfulness walk in February - was run in partnership with the RSPB at their Lake Vyrnwy nature reserve. But if you missed that, a second introductory walk is being staged at the same location on Saturday 15th April. Good4Mind are also set to announce walks in partnership with the National Trust later this year at Powis Castle in Welshpool. Those interested are encouraged to susbcribe to the free Good4Mind newsletter so as to be the first to hear.

Mindfulness encourages us to bring awareness to what we're thinking, sensing, feeling and to our surroundings in the moment, and with Catherine's help you'll be introduced to the basic tools needed to aid self-awareness, encourage relaxation and help become more resilient to the stresses of everyday life.

Steeped in nature and panoramic views, Lake Vyrnwy makes for the perfect spot to start your mindfulness journey, while the breathtaking views and setting of Powis Castle are equally ideal for anyone looking to work at de-stressing.

“When I suffered from work-related stress many years ago, I discovered the benefits of mindful meditation, and the experience was transformative,” says Catherine.

“As a mindfulness teacher, I’d now like to help as many people as possible learn to ease their worries and anxieties through meditation.

"This gentle walk will be a great introduction to mindfulness, particularly as Lake Vyrnwy is one of the most picturesque settings in Wales.”

The Introduction To Mindfulness walk at Lake Vyrnwy starts at 10:30am on Saturday 15th April and is priced £15. For more information including a booking link, visit: www.good4mind.com/events