MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Local mindfulness teacher, life coach and author JoAnn Saccato, MA will present two free 90-minute workshops on Mindfulness for Stress Reduction at Lake County Jazzercise, located at 15642 Armstrong St. in Middletown, on Thursday, May 25, and Thursday, June 1.

The workshops begin at 1 p.m. and are free and open to the public.

The workshop includes a brief history and definition of mindfulness, recent scientific findings with emphasis on stress reduction, and simple guided mindfulness exercises including sensory awareness, gentle movement and loving kindness.

The workshop is based on Saccato's eight-week course and forthcoming book, “Mindful and Intentional Living: A Path to Peace, Clarity and Freedom.”

Mindfulness is a popular practice that invites one to pay kind, non-judgmental attention to their experience.

The scientifically supported approach helps reduce stress and stress-related illnesses, increase focus and attention, decrease incidences of and relapses with depression, reduce anxiety, and aid in sleep and digestive disorders.

Beth Rudiger of Lake County Jazzercise is hosting the event. "I took this workshop with JoAnn last year and realized that being mindful is just being present and acknowledging what my body is telling me. We actually encourage our clients to practice mindfulness at every Jazzercise class when we tell them to engage their muscles and pay attention to how hard they’re working."

For more information on Lake County Jazzercise, visit www.lcjazz.com or call Rudiger at 707-502-3389. 

For more information on the workshop, Saccato and her work, visit www.Compassion-basedMindfulness.com or call 707-350-1719.