WHAT IS MBSR?
Tampa General Hospital and the Integrative Medicine and Arts department offer MBSR, an initiative that supports self-care education and tools that participants can use for the rest of their lives. MBSR is an eight-week evidence-based program that offers intensive mindfulness training to assist people with stress, anxiety, depression and pain. Developed at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in the 1970s by Professor Jon Kabat-Zinn, MBSR uses a combination of mindfulness meditation, body awareness, yoga, and exploration of patterns of behavior, thinking, feeling and action.
What to Expect During MBSR
Each MBSR program is eight-weeks long and includes:
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One orientation class
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Eight weekly classes
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One daylong silent retreat
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Daily at-home practice
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Guided meditation recordings
During your classes and retreat, you’ll learn stress reduction techniques through guided instructions and group dialogue. These include mindfulness meditation, gentle stretching, and yoga.
Not familiar with mindfulness meditation? Check out this recording from our facilitator to get started:
BENEFITS OF MBSR
MBSR is supported by a wide body of research showing that it is effective at addressing chronic pain, anxiety, depression and general stress reduction. MBSR is ideal for cultivating greater awareness of the unity of mind and body. It is designed to help you achieve health and well-being in the face of stress, pain or illness
Reduction in chronic pain and other symptoms
MBSR can improve symptoms of the following conditions:
- Anxiety
- Chronic pain
- Depression
Improved quality of life
MBSR can also help:
- Reduce stress caused by major or everyday stressors
- Increase mental focus
- Empower you to play an active role in your own health and well-being
IS MBSR EVIDENCE-BASED?
Yes. MBSR is based on a framework of psychological science and is on the cutting edge of mind, body and integrative medicine. Published research has shown that meditation and relaxation training can be powerful aides to the conventional medical treatment of many disorders. Over 18,000 participants with all manner of diagnoses have successfully completed the eight-week course, and 1,400 physicians have referred patients to this program. Published evaluations of the medical outcomes resulting from patient participation have shown a 35 percent reduction in the number of medical symptoms and a 40 percent reduction in psychological symptoms.
THE EVIDENCE FOR MBSR
- Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction is a program developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. It was initially developed to aid the chronically sick.
- 79 percent of meta-analysis and systematic reviews found MBSR to have a positive effect on symptom management, mental health and quality of life.
Evidence has also shown MBSR helps:
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Anxiety & depression
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Chronic pain
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Addiction
MBSR isn’t a cure-all, but it is a great, evidence-based resource with broad mental health benefits. Through focus on the breath, awareness and sensations, MBSR cultivates nonjudgmental, present moment awareness.
SEE WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT MBSR
“I had no idea how transformative it would be, and I know I will cherish this experience (and be guided by it) for the rest of my life. The silence wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. It was kind of supportive for everyone to not have to talk. I got it, after experiencing it. I had physical healing take place. I had ab separation from my past pregnancy. It happens to petite people, and it usually heals on its own, but my baby is 2 years old and I still had a 2-inch gap in the center, down the length of my abs. It is HEALED! The body is amazing and when we give it the optimum conditions, it will take over. So, not only did I find so many moments of inner peace and joy, but a 2-year injury healed itself as well!”
— Danielle De Cosmo Goodwin