Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program
The MBSR program is a 10 session course (a 1 hour Orientation session, followed by 8-weekly classes of 2.5 hours duration and a full day intensive). MBSR incorporates skills training in mindfulness, stress physiology and cognitive awareness. Tens of thousands of people on five continents have benefited from MBSR. MBSR is now offered globally in clinical settings, corporations, schools and prisons amongst others. During the course, participants develop and strengthen skills that help them focus and increase awareness of their experience. These skills are developed through in-class practice and daily home practice mindfulness exercises. With the cultivation of these skills participants are more able to draw on their own inner resources for greater balance, coping, stability and wellbeing. Lifesteps was the first organization to offer the MBSR program in Singapore in 2010.
Mindfulness Journal Articles
Mindfulness
In a 2016 survey on working adults conducted by Roffey Park, 52% of Singaporean respondents reported experiencing more stress than they did 6 months prior to being surveyed. This problem, however, is not merely limited to working adults. Over the past few years, stress is reported to have risen amongst most demographics – from primary school students to homemakers.
Stress leads to a myriad of health problems, including but not limited to hair loss, erratic sleep, depression and a weakening of the immune system. Evidence-based research shows that mindfulness alleviates stress and improves overall health and well-being.
What is Mindfulness?
“Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.” – Dr Jon Kabat-Zinn, 1994
Benefits of Mindfulness
- Physical and Emotional Health – We learn how to face life’s inevitable ups and downs more calmly, and with serene contentment. When we are able to maintain a calm state, our stress hormones are better regulated, resulting in better overall health. We develop greater self-acceptance and experience an improved sense of well-being.
- Better Able to Handle Challenging Situations – When we are Mindful, we adapt more easily to change and uncertainty. We handle stress better. As we become less reactive and learn to consciously respond to events, we find we are more resilient in dealing with difficulties and challenges. We know how to stay centred, even in problematic situations. And we become more positive as we are increasingly aware of the affirmative things that happen in our lives.
- Enhanced Self-Awareness – We become more aware of our thoughts, feelings and physical sensations – as they are happening. We are increasingly able to observe our habitual patterns of thinking and behaving. As we become less reactive, we find we can concentrate better and maintain focus. We often notice an increase in productivity. We become more aware of our intentions, for we are better able to understand ourselves, our environment and those around us. We can see other perspectives more clearly, so we become more compassionate, both to ourselves and to others.
Mindfulness has proven to be an effective treatment for a whole host of problems, including: