What is MBSR? Definition
Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction is a group program Jon Kabat Zinn developed in the 1970s for patients with mental and/or physical illness and life’s challenges (Kabat Zinn, 2013).
It was originally created for hospital patients but has been successfully used by many people from all walks.
According to the Center for Mindfulness at University of Massachusetts, over 24,000 people have used the MBSR program since its inception in 1979 (Center for Mindfulness 2017,).
MBSR is a flexible, customizable way to reduce stress. It consists of mindfulness meditation and yoga. Mindfulness is not practiced according to a prescribed pattern or following carefully described steps.
Although MBSR can be different for each person, it is based upon the same principles. These descriptions were taken directly from the Center for Mindfulness website.
The challenge is made into a challenge, not a chore. This makes it more enjoyable to live mindfully and less like a chore.
A focus on individual effort and motivation, and consistent disciplined practice of meditation in all its forms, regardless of whether or not one feels like it.
Formal mindfulness practice requires significant lifestyle changes. It takes at least 45 minutes per day in the clinic, and six days a weeks minimum.
It is important to make each moment count. This can be done by practicing mindfulness and bringing it into your awareness.
A therapeutic rather than an educational orientation that makes use of large “classes”, which are confined to a limited time course structure. This creates a community of practice and learning, and a “critical mass” to foster ongoing motivation, support and feelings of belonging.
Medically heterogeneous environments in which patients with different medical conditions are able to participate in classes without being segregated by diagnosis, conditions or specializations. This approach has the advantage of focusing on the commonality of people rather than their specific disease. It is possible to leave the care of other health care teams and to support groups for specific patients where appropriate (Center for Mindfulness 2017).
Visit the Center for Mindfulness website for more information.
MBSR can be added to any existing psychological or medical treatment. It has been shown to enhance the effectiveness of:
- Panic attacks and anxiety;
- Asthma;
- Cancer;
- Chronic illness
- Depression;
- Eating disorders;
- Fatigue;
- Fibromyalgia;
- Gastrointestinal distress;
- Grief;
- Headaches;
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Pain;
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Skin disorders;
- Problems with sleep
- Center for Mindfulness 2017, Work, Family, and Financial Stress
It’s difficult to argue against MBSR, given its impressive benefits and the fact that it doesn’t require a lot of energy, time, or resources.
