Get the biggest stories sent straight to your inbox Sign up for regular updates and breaking news from WalesOnline Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A young entrepreneur set up her own mediation business after finding the technique helped her manage her epilepsy.

Siwan Reynolds, 24, spent years looking for ways to reduce her seizures before eventually discovering the benefits of meditation and mindfulness.

While studying psychology at Exeter University, Ms Reynolds spent her spare time testing ways she could decrease the number of seizures she was having, while also looking for ways to decrease the amount of medication she was required to take to manage her condition.

As well as changes to her diet, including cutting out gluten and dairy products, she started meditating with life-changing results.

After noticing the difference that meditation was having on the number of seizures she was suffering, she implemented a regular meditation schedule into her day to day life.

As well as the improvement in her condition, Ms Reynolds also credits meditation with improving her relationships, giving her more energy and having a positive impact on her university grades.

Now a graduate, she has also qualified as a trained meditation coach with the British School of Meditation, and is keen to share the benefits of the mindfulness exercise with others by offering sessions to both businesses and pupils at schools.

She said: “Discovering meditation has completely transformed my life and I felt there was a great business opportunity to share my experiences.

“Meditation can have a really positive impact in schools, especially around exam season helping to tackle stress and behaviour overall, while in businesses it can reduce anxiety levels and promote a healthier and happier working environment.”

(Image: Working Word)

Having already built her client base with schools, including Ysgol Melin Gruffydd in Cardiff and Llancarfan Primary in Barry, Ms Reynolds is now looking to make contacts within businesses who feel their workforce would benefit from the meditation sessions.

She said: “Managing my journey with epilepsy has felt like a roller-coaster ride at times, but thanks to meditation I have really turned a corner and lead a much healthier and happy life.

“However it’s important to remember that everyone, regardless of health, age or profession, can benefit from meditative practices and applying mindfulness to their day to day lives.”

Ms Reynolds received mentoring support from Big Ideas Wales, part of the Business Wales service to encourage youth entrepreneurship in Wales, in setting up her business.

Economy Secretary Ken Skates said: “Businesses such as Siwan’s are a wonderful example of those Welsh Government strive to support.

“Cardiff Meditation embodies our focus on improving mental health, and I am very proud that Siwan has been able to call on the support offered by Big Ideas Wales to transform her personal journey into a venture that will go on to help so many others.”