Episode 7 – Cognition, Mindfulness, and Stress Management with Tracy Dignum
Tracy Dignum is an educator, physiotherapist, researcher and experienced meditation instructor. Tracy received her Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy from Queen’s University and a Master of Education from Memorial University. She received her Master of Science in rehabilitation science from the University of British Columbia where she completed a clinical trial that assessed the impact of mindfulness and exercise, on mobility and cognitive function among older adults with chronic stroke.
Tracy is actively involved in the Healthy Body Healthy Mind program at Back in Motion, where she teaches free online mindfulness meditation classes. For more information about the free program, visit www.healthybodymind.ca.
In this episode, Tracy and I discuss:
- How she intertwines mindfulness practices with her students in university-level anatomy courses
- The different approaches to mindfulness, and how they can impact not only emotional functioning but also physical and cognitive functioning as well
- The negative physical changes in the brain that may occur after exposure to long term stress
- How lack of sleep affects the homeostasis of our hormones, increases stress, and impacts cognition
- Strategies to get started with mindfulness, build a foundation, and incorporate it into daily practice
Tracy has delivered a TEDx talk called “Rethinking Memory & Retention of Learning: Tips for Parents,” which can be found here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlxVePiMfeI
Additionally, Tracy has her own website on Therapeutic Mindfulness and Meditation https://therapeutic-meditation.org/ , where she provides information on mindfulness research and mindfulness resources.