A new book by a University of Sussex student support adviser has been named WH Smith’s ‘Non-Fiction Book of the Month’ for August.

Gill Hasson, who helps Sussex students with personal development and study skills, is the author of Mindfulness (published by Capstone), which maps out the practical steps to and advantages of ‘living in the moment’.

Gill, who also studied Anthropology at Sussex in the 1990s, explains: “Being mindful opens you up to new ideas and new ways of doing things, reducing stress and increasing your enjoyment of life.”

The book draws on the psychological concept of mindfulness, which has roots in the Buddhist practice of encouraging people to become more aware of their surroundings.

Gill gives examples of how a lack of mindfulness can create problems in our personal lives – from anxiety about the past and future, to feeling lonely and disconnected.

By practising how to stay focused on the present, which may (for example) involve not constantly responding to emails or posting on Facebook, she shows how we can learn how to manage emotions and distractions and improve willpower, motivation, and self-discipline.

Gill's previous publications include How To Be Assertive, Bounce: Use the power of resilience to live the life you want, Brilliant Communication Skills and Brilliant Emotional Intelligence.