Stress Management

Please click here for more information and to visit the University of Massachusetts Center for Mindfulness:  University of Massachusetts Center for Mindfulness

Mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment in a particular way: on purpose and without judgment. So much of our lives is spent thinking about the past or planning for the future that we miss what is happening in the here-and-now. We live our lives on automatic pilot - not really being aware of what we are thinking, feeling or doing. Diminished awareness of the present moment severely limits the ability to live to the fullest and to respond to situations with choices rather than reacting automatically. Mindfulness is about living consciously and can be cultivated through meditation, gentle yoga postures, and other mind-body practices. These practices help us access powerful inner resources for coping effectively with stress, difficulties, and healing.

Mindfulness program for 8 weeks

The majority of people who complete the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program report:

• an ability to cope more effectively with both short and long-term stressful situations

• an increased ability to relax

• lasting decreases in physical and psychological symptoms

• reduction in pain levels and an enhanced ability to cope with pain that may not go away

• greater energy and enthusiasm for life.

About the classes

Various programs are available depending on the setting.

Most important is that you are making a commitment to improving your health and taking responsibility for your health.

Fortunately mindfulness is not something that you have to "get" or acquire. It is a natural human-capacity, a power resource you can become familiar with and harness for coping, for growth, for moving towards greater levels of health and well-being.

Participating in the Mindfulness Program DOES require a commitment to yourself and to MindBody Health. You will be asked to attend all classes and practice daily home assignments.

If you enroll you will learn:

• practical coping skills to improve your ability to handle stressful situations

• methods for being physically and mentally relaxed and at ease

• gentle full-body conditioning exercises to strengthen your body and release muscular tension

• to become increasingly aware of the interplay of mind and body in health and illness

• to take responsibility for improving your own heath

• to face change and difficult times in your life with greater ease

• to discover and develop your ability to help yourself move towards greater balance, control and peace of mind

The course is challenging and life-affirming.The course schedule consists of eight weekly morning or evening class and one day-long class on a Sat. or Sun. The class is approximately 2.5 hours long. You will receive:

• Guided instruction in mindfulness meditation and mindful yoga asana or exercise practices

• Individually tailored instruction

• A range of exercises to enhance awareness in everyday life

• Daily assignments