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Mindfulness

4 min read |
An operation to replace a patient’s diseased lungs with lungs from a donor
View in glossary

The worsening of a disease/condition over time

View in glossary

A formal documentation when someone else is given the responsibility to manage your affairs and make certain decisions on your behalf

View in glossary

Refers to the lungs

View in glossary

A group of tests used to check how well the lungs take in and release air and how well they supply oxygen to the rest of the body14

View in glossary

A type of high blood pressure that affects the blood vessels to the lungs and the right side of the heart15

View in glossary

Therapy that provides relief from symptoms to help patients live more comfortably with their disease13

View in glossary

Administration of oxygen as a medical intervention11

View in glossary

A small plastic tube or prongs that fit in the nostrils to deliver supplementary oxygen11

View in glossary

Listening to and playing music as a therapy which aims to ease the symptoms of those living with IPF

View in glossary

A sleep disorder characterised by breathing that repeatedly stops and starts during sleep12

View in glossary

A specialist who helps someone recover or live with their symptoms more easily

View in glossary

A machine that removes other gases from the air to provide oxygen for oxygen therapy11

View in glossary

An education and exercise program designed to improve the quality of life for people with lung conditions16

View in glossary

A physician specialised in lung problems (also known as a respirologist)

View in glossary

A product that gives protection against a specific infection

View in glossary

A test used to monitor oxygen levels in a patient’s blood, usually with a non-invasive sensor11

View in glossary

A breathing technique to help control breathlessness and reduce anxiety17

View in glossary

A disease that affects only a small percentage of the population

View in glossary

Something that is associated with an increased risk of disease or infection

View in glossary

A technique that helps to reduce stress and anxiety by helping to understand and manage your emotions

View in glossary

Therapies used alongside conventional treatments that help treat symptoms and may improve overall physical and mental wellbeing

View in glossary

A medical study that investigates how safe and effective a new therapy or technique is for treating a certain disease

View in glossary

A disease or condition that occurs at the same time as another disease or condition

View in glossary

A device to deliver compressed air to improve sleep in people with obstructive sleep apnoea6

View in glossary

A disease where a waxy substance (plaque) builds up inside the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle7

View in glossary

A type of chronic disease that typically worsens over time and is characterized by long-term breathing problems and poor airflow. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are older terms used for COPD5

View in glossary

Refers to the heart, and blood vessels

View in glossary

A type of medication that aims to slow the scarring and stiffening of lungs to slow disease progression2

View in glossary

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the blood takes place

View in glossary

A test that shows how well the lungs are working by measuring how much oxygen and carbon dioxide is in the blood. This test requires that a small volume of blood be drawn from the patient3

View in glossary

Techniques that involve breathing in a certain way to control breathlessness and strengthen your lungs

View in glossary

A procedure in which a bronchoscope (a medical instrument like a tube) is passed through the mouth or nose into the lung and fluid is squirted into a small part of the lung and then collected for examination4

View in glossary

A lung condition where the air sacs within the lungs (alveoli) become damaged5

View in glossary

Extreme weariness resulting from exertion or illness

View in glossary

Of unknown cause

View in glossary

Rapid and uncontrolled breathing

View in glossary

A disease where there is progressive scarring or thickening of the lungs without a known cause4

View in glossary

The surgical removal of cells or tissue samples from the lung for examination by a pathologist10

View in glossary

The lung tissue becomes thickened and stiff

View in glossary

A test that uses a type of X-ray that produces multiple, detailed images of areas inside the body4

View in glossary

A burning sensation in the chest, which can spread to the throat, along with a sour taste in the mouth

View in glossary

Where inflamed tissue is replaced with scar tissue, making it thicken and become stiffer4

View in glossary

A symptom where the ends of the fingers become wider and rounder8

View in glossary

A digestive disease where stomach acid moves up out of the stomach and irritates the lining of the food pipe (oesophagus)9

View in glossary

A physician specializing in the management of diseases of the digestive system

View in glossary

An event characterized by sudden, severe worsening of symptoms or an increase in disease severity1

View in glossary

Mindfulness is a very simple form of meditation. Conditions like pulmonary fibrosis can cause added worry and anxiety about the future. Many people say that they become very stressed and struggle to focus on the important things in life.1

Mindfulness can help to relieve some of their worries so that they can focus on looking after themselves and spending quality time with their loved ones.

An operation to replace a patient’s diseased lungs with lungs from a donor
View in glossary

The worsening of a disease/condition over time

View in glossary

A formal documentation when someone else is given the responsibility to manage your affairs and make certain decisions on your behalf

View in glossary

Refers to the lungs

View in glossary

A group of tests used to check how well the lungs take in and release air and how well they supply oxygen to the rest of the body14

View in glossary

A type of high blood pressure that affects the blood vessels to the lungs and the right side of the heart15

View in glossary

Therapy that provides relief from symptoms to help patients live more comfortably with their disease13

View in glossary

Administration of oxygen as a medical intervention11

View in glossary

A small plastic tube or prongs that fit in the nostrils to deliver supplementary oxygen11

View in glossary

Listening to and playing music as a therapy which aims to ease the symptoms of those living with IPF

View in glossary

A sleep disorder characterised by breathing that repeatedly stops and starts during sleep12

View in glossary

A specialist who helps someone recover or live with their symptoms more easily

View in glossary

A machine that removes other gases from the air to provide oxygen for oxygen therapy11

View in glossary

An education and exercise program designed to improve the quality of life for people with lung conditions16

View in glossary

A physician specialised in lung problems (also known as a respirologist)

View in glossary

A product that gives protection against a specific infection

View in glossary

A test used to monitor oxygen levels in a patient’s blood, usually with a non-invasive sensor11

View in glossary

A breathing technique to help control breathlessness and reduce anxiety17

View in glossary

A disease that affects only a small percentage of the population

View in glossary

Something that is associated with an increased risk of disease or infection

View in glossary

A technique that helps to reduce stress and anxiety by helping to understand and manage your emotions

View in glossary

Therapies used alongside conventional treatments that help treat symptoms and may improve overall physical and mental wellbeing

View in glossary

A medical study that investigates how safe and effective a new therapy or technique is for treating a certain disease

View in glossary

A disease or condition that occurs at the same time as another disease or condition

View in glossary

A device to deliver compressed air to improve sleep in people with obstructive sleep apnoea6

View in glossary

A disease where a waxy substance (plaque) builds up inside the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle7

View in glossary

A type of chronic disease that typically worsens over time and is characterized by long-term breathing problems and poor airflow. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are older terms used for COPD5

View in glossary

Refers to the heart, and blood vessels

View in glossary

A type of medication that aims to slow the scarring and stiffening of lungs to slow disease progression2

View in glossary

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the blood takes place

View in glossary

A test that shows how well the lungs are working by measuring how much oxygen and carbon dioxide is in the blood. This test requires that a small volume of blood be drawn from the patient3

View in glossary

Techniques that involve breathing in a certain way to control breathlessness and strengthen your lungs

View in glossary

A procedure in which a bronchoscope (a medical instrument like a tube) is passed through the mouth or nose into the lung and fluid is squirted into a small part of the lung and then collected for examination4

View in glossary

A lung condition where the air sacs within the lungs (alveoli) become damaged5

View in glossary

Extreme weariness resulting from exertion or illness

View in glossary

Of unknown cause

View in glossary

Rapid and uncontrolled breathing

View in glossary

A disease where there is progressive scarring or thickening of the lungs without a known cause4

View in glossary

The surgical removal of cells or tissue samples from the lung for examination by a pathologist10

View in glossary

The lung tissue becomes thickened and stiff

View in glossary

A test that uses a type of X-ray that produces multiple, detailed images of areas inside the body4

View in glossary

A burning sensation in the chest, which can spread to the throat, along with a sour taste in the mouth

View in glossary

Where inflamed tissue is replaced with scar tissue, making it thicken and become stiffer4

View in glossary

A symptom where the ends of the fingers become wider and rounder8

View in glossary

A digestive disease where stomach acid moves up out of the stomach and irritates the lining of the food pipe (oesophagus)9

View in glossary

A physician specializing in the management of diseases of the digestive system

View in glossary

An event characterized by sudden, severe worsening of symptoms or an increase in disease severity1

View in glossary

Common myths about mindfulness

Some people are wary when they hear 'meditation'. However, it may be helpful to dispel some common myths:

  • Meditation and mindfulness are not a religion. Mindfulness is simply a method of mental training
  • You don’t have to sit cross-legged on the floor. You can practice mindfulness in any environment where you are most comfortable
  • Meditation and mindfulness are not hard to do. They are not about ‘success’ or ‘failure’
  • Performing mindfulness does not take a lot of time. Even a short session can help to reduce your fears and allow your mind to focus
An operation to replace a patient’s diseased lungs with lungs from a donor
View in glossary

The worsening of a disease/condition over time

View in glossary

A formal documentation when someone else is given the responsibility to manage your affairs and make certain decisions on your behalf

View in glossary

Refers to the lungs

View in glossary

A group of tests used to check how well the lungs take in and release air and how well they supply oxygen to the rest of the body14

View in glossary

A type of high blood pressure that affects the blood vessels to the lungs and the right side of the heart15

View in glossary

Therapy that provides relief from symptoms to help patients live more comfortably with their disease13

View in glossary

Administration of oxygen as a medical intervention11

View in glossary

A small plastic tube or prongs that fit in the nostrils to deliver supplementary oxygen11

View in glossary

Listening to and playing music as a therapy which aims to ease the symptoms of those living with IPF

View in glossary

A sleep disorder characterised by breathing that repeatedly stops and starts during sleep12

View in glossary

A specialist who helps someone recover or live with their symptoms more easily

View in glossary

A machine that removes other gases from the air to provide oxygen for oxygen therapy11

View in glossary

An education and exercise program designed to improve the quality of life for people with lung conditions16

View in glossary

A physician specialised in lung problems (also known as a respirologist)

View in glossary

A product that gives protection against a specific infection

View in glossary

A test used to monitor oxygen levels in a patient’s blood, usually with a non-invasive sensor11

View in glossary

A breathing technique to help control breathlessness and reduce anxiety17

View in glossary

A disease that affects only a small percentage of the population

View in glossary

Something that is associated with an increased risk of disease or infection

View in glossary

A technique that helps to reduce stress and anxiety by helping to understand and manage your emotions

View in glossary

Therapies used alongside conventional treatments that help treat symptoms and may improve overall physical and mental wellbeing

View in glossary

A medical study that investigates how safe and effective a new therapy or technique is for treating a certain disease

View in glossary

A disease or condition that occurs at the same time as another disease or condition

View in glossary

A device to deliver compressed air to improve sleep in people with obstructive sleep apnoea6

View in glossary

A disease where a waxy substance (plaque) builds up inside the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle7

View in glossary

A type of chronic disease that typically worsens over time and is characterized by long-term breathing problems and poor airflow. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are older terms used for COPD5

View in glossary

Refers to the heart, and blood vessels

View in glossary

A type of medication that aims to slow the scarring and stiffening of lungs to slow disease progression2

View in glossary

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the blood takes place

View in glossary

A test that shows how well the lungs are working by measuring how much oxygen and carbon dioxide is in the blood. This test requires that a small volume of blood be drawn from the patient3

View in glossary

Techniques that involve breathing in a certain way to control breathlessness and strengthen your lungs

View in glossary

A procedure in which a bronchoscope (a medical instrument like a tube) is passed through the mouth or nose into the lung and fluid is squirted into a small part of the lung and then collected for examination4

View in glossary

A lung condition where the air sacs within the lungs (alveoli) become damaged5

View in glossary

Extreme weariness resulting from exertion or illness

View in glossary

Of unknown cause

View in glossary

Rapid and uncontrolled breathing

View in glossary

A disease where there is progressive scarring or thickening of the lungs without a known cause4

View in glossary

The surgical removal of cells or tissue samples from the lung for examination by a pathologist10

View in glossary

The lung tissue becomes thickened and stiff

View in glossary

A test that uses a type of X-ray that produces multiple, detailed images of areas inside the body4

View in glossary

A burning sensation in the chest, which can spread to the throat, along with a sour taste in the mouth

View in glossary

Where inflamed tissue is replaced with scar tissue, making it thicken and become stiffer4

View in glossary

A symptom where the ends of the fingers become wider and rounder8

View in glossary

A digestive disease where stomach acid moves up out of the stomach and irritates the lining of the food pipe (oesophagus)9

View in glossary

A physician specializing in the management of diseases of the digestive system

View in glossary

An event characterized by sudden, severe worsening of symptoms or an increase in disease severity1

View in glossary

What are some of the benefits of practicing mindfulness?2

Mindfulness can help you to keep a positive attitude and manage any difficult emotions when you experience them.

Some of the benefits of mindfulness include:

  • Improved happiness and wellbeing
  • Reduced stress, anxiety and irritability
  • Improved memory, creativity and reaction times
An operation to replace a patient’s diseased lungs with lungs from a donor
View in glossary

The worsening of a disease/condition over time

View in glossary

A formal documentation when someone else is given the responsibility to manage your affairs and make certain decisions on your behalf

View in glossary

Refers to the lungs

View in glossary

A group of tests used to check how well the lungs take in and release air and how well they supply oxygen to the rest of the body14

View in glossary

A type of high blood pressure that affects the blood vessels to the lungs and the right side of the heart15

View in glossary

Therapy that provides relief from symptoms to help patients live more comfortably with their disease13

View in glossary

Administration of oxygen as a medical intervention11

View in glossary

A small plastic tube or prongs that fit in the nostrils to deliver supplementary oxygen11

View in glossary

Listening to and playing music as a therapy which aims to ease the symptoms of those living with IPF

View in glossary

A sleep disorder characterised by breathing that repeatedly stops and starts during sleep12

View in glossary

A specialist who helps someone recover or live with their symptoms more easily

View in glossary

A machine that removes other gases from the air to provide oxygen for oxygen therapy11

View in glossary

An education and exercise program designed to improve the quality of life for people with lung conditions16

View in glossary

A physician specialised in lung problems (also known as a respirologist)

View in glossary

A product that gives protection against a specific infection

View in glossary

A test used to monitor oxygen levels in a patient’s blood, usually with a non-invasive sensor11

View in glossary

A breathing technique to help control breathlessness and reduce anxiety17

View in glossary

A disease that affects only a small percentage of the population

View in glossary

Something that is associated with an increased risk of disease or infection

View in glossary

A technique that helps to reduce stress and anxiety by helping to understand and manage your emotions

View in glossary

Therapies used alongside conventional treatments that help treat symptoms and may improve overall physical and mental wellbeing

View in glossary

A medical study that investigates how safe and effective a new therapy or technique is for treating a certain disease

View in glossary

A disease or condition that occurs at the same time as another disease or condition

View in glossary

A device to deliver compressed air to improve sleep in people with obstructive sleep apnoea6

View in glossary

A disease where a waxy substance (plaque) builds up inside the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle7

View in glossary

A type of chronic disease that typically worsens over time and is characterized by long-term breathing problems and poor airflow. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are older terms used for COPD5

View in glossary

Refers to the heart, and blood vessels

View in glossary

A type of medication that aims to slow the scarring and stiffening of lungs to slow disease progression2

View in glossary

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the blood takes place

View in glossary

A test that shows how well the lungs are working by measuring how much oxygen and carbon dioxide is in the blood. This test requires that a small volume of blood be drawn from the patient3

View in glossary

Techniques that involve breathing in a certain way to control breathlessness and strengthen your lungs

View in glossary

A procedure in which a bronchoscope (a medical instrument like a tube) is passed through the mouth or nose into the lung and fluid is squirted into a small part of the lung and then collected for examination4

View in glossary

A lung condition where the air sacs within the lungs (alveoli) become damaged5

View in glossary

Extreme weariness resulting from exertion or illness

View in glossary

Of unknown cause

View in glossary

Rapid and uncontrolled breathing

View in glossary

A disease where there is progressive scarring or thickening of the lungs without a known cause4

View in glossary

The surgical removal of cells or tissue samples from the lung for examination by a pathologist10

View in glossary

The lung tissue becomes thickened and stiff

View in glossary

A test that uses a type of X-ray that produces multiple, detailed images of areas inside the body4

View in glossary

A burning sensation in the chest, which can spread to the throat, along with a sour taste in the mouth

View in glossary

Where inflamed tissue is replaced with scar tissue, making it thicken and become stiffer4

View in glossary

A symptom where the ends of the fingers become wider and rounder8

View in glossary

A digestive disease where stomach acid moves up out of the stomach and irritates the lining of the food pipe (oesophagus)9

View in glossary

A physician specializing in the management of diseases of the digestive system

View in glossary

An event characterized by sudden, severe worsening of symptoms or an increase in disease severity1

View in glossary

How do I perform mindfulness?

There are many ways of performing mindfulness. Some people like to take part in guided mindfulness, where a teacher (or a recorded voice) will talk you through a mindfulness session. Most sessions focus on clearing your mind and allowing you to think clearly. They can last anywhere from five minutes to an hour.

One very simple example of a mindfulness session would be:

  1. Sit down in a comfortable place, such as a chair or bed
  2. Close your eyes and focus on the feelings in your body
  3. Breathe slowly. Focus on your breath and feel it as it enters and leaves your body
  4. Notice when your mind wanders from your breath. When it does, slowly try to focus back onto your breath
  5. When you feel ready for the end of the session, open your eyes and re-adjust to your surroundings

Mindfulness is about observation without criticism; being compassionate with yourself when unhappiness or stress are bothering you. Mindfulness allows you to catch negative thought patterns before they tip you into a downward spiral. It begins the process of putting you back in control of your life.

Many different organizations will offer mindfulness services, including hospitals, charities and private classes. To find out more about services available locally, speak to your treatment team. Many private classes will also be advertised online.

Quick Tip
An operation to replace a patient’s diseased lungs with lungs from a donor
View in glossary

The worsening of a disease/condition over time

View in glossary

A formal documentation when someone else is given the responsibility to manage your affairs and make certain decisions on your behalf

View in glossary

Refers to the lungs

View in glossary

A group of tests used to check how well the lungs take in and release air and how well they supply oxygen to the rest of the body14

View in glossary

A type of high blood pressure that affects the blood vessels to the lungs and the right side of the heart15

View in glossary

Therapy that provides relief from symptoms to help patients live more comfortably with their disease13

View in glossary

Administration of oxygen as a medical intervention11

View in glossary

A small plastic tube or prongs that fit in the nostrils to deliver supplementary oxygen11

View in glossary

Listening to and playing music as a therapy which aims to ease the symptoms of those living with IPF

View in glossary

A sleep disorder characterised by breathing that repeatedly stops and starts during sleep12

View in glossary

A specialist who helps someone recover or live with their symptoms more easily

View in glossary

A machine that removes other gases from the air to provide oxygen for oxygen therapy11

View in glossary

An education and exercise program designed to improve the quality of life for people with lung conditions16

View in glossary

A physician specialised in lung problems (also known as a respirologist)

View in glossary

A product that gives protection against a specific infection

View in glossary

A test used to monitor oxygen levels in a patient’s blood, usually with a non-invasive sensor11

View in glossary

A breathing technique to help control breathlessness and reduce anxiety17

View in glossary

A disease that affects only a small percentage of the population

View in glossary

Something that is associated with an increased risk of disease or infection

View in glossary

A technique that helps to reduce stress and anxiety by helping to understand and manage your emotions

View in glossary

Therapies used alongside conventional treatments that help treat symptoms and may improve overall physical and mental wellbeing

View in glossary

A medical study that investigates how safe and effective a new therapy or technique is for treating a certain disease

View in glossary

A disease or condition that occurs at the same time as another disease or condition

View in glossary

A device to deliver compressed air to improve sleep in people with obstructive sleep apnoea6

View in glossary

A disease where a waxy substance (plaque) builds up inside the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle7

View in glossary

A type of chronic disease that typically worsens over time and is characterized by long-term breathing problems and poor airflow. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are older terms used for COPD5

View in glossary

Refers to the heart, and blood vessels

View in glossary

A type of medication that aims to slow the scarring and stiffening of lungs to slow disease progression2

View in glossary

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the blood takes place

View in glossary

A test that shows how well the lungs are working by measuring how much oxygen and carbon dioxide is in the blood. This test requires that a small volume of blood be drawn from the patient3

View in glossary

Techniques that involve breathing in a certain way to control breathlessness and strengthen your lungs

View in glossary

A procedure in which a bronchoscope (a medical instrument like a tube) is passed through the mouth or nose into the lung and fluid is squirted into a small part of the lung and then collected for examination4

View in glossary

A lung condition where the air sacs within the lungs (alveoli) become damaged5

View in glossary

Extreme weariness resulting from exertion or illness

View in glossary

Of unknown cause

View in glossary

Rapid and uncontrolled breathing

View in glossary

A disease where there is progressive scarring or thickening of the lungs without a known cause4

View in glossary

The surgical removal of cells or tissue samples from the lung for examination by a pathologist10

View in glossary

The lung tissue becomes thickened and stiff

View in glossary

A test that uses a type of X-ray that produces multiple, detailed images of areas inside the body4

View in glossary

A burning sensation in the chest, which can spread to the throat, along with a sour taste in the mouth

View in glossary

Where inflamed tissue is replaced with scar tissue, making it thicken and become stiffer4

View in glossary

A symptom where the ends of the fingers become wider and rounder8

View in glossary

A digestive disease where stomach acid moves up out of the stomach and irritates the lining of the food pipe (oesophagus)9

View in glossary

A physician specializing in the management of diseases of the digestive system

View in glossary

An event characterized by sudden, severe worsening of symptoms or an increase in disease severity1

View in glossary

Speak to your treatment team for more guidance on services that offer mindfulness training in your local area

Older couple outside, smiling together

Your mental wellbeing

Looking after your mental wellbeing is just as important as looking after your physical wellbeing

Key Takeaways

  • Mindfulness is a simple meditation technique to help manage your mental wellbeing
  • Mindfulness can be done anywhere and you only need a few minutes
  • Practicing mindfulness can reduce stress and anxiety and help you feel happier
Show references Hide references
  1. 1.

    Long-term conditions and mental health. The King’s Fund. Available at: https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/sites/default/files/field/field_publication_file/long-term-conditions-mental-health-cost-comorbidities-naylor-feb12.pdf/. [Accessed April 2019]

  2. 2.

    Davis DM, Hayes JA. What Are the Benefits of Mindfulness? A Practice Review of Psychotherapy-Related Research. Psychotherapy 2011; 48:198-208.

Also in this section

Seize the day, enjoy the moment

– Person with pulmonary fibrosis