Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

What is mindful based stress reduction?

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction or (MBSR) is a mix of meditation and yoga and even though it was initially developed to treat stress. Studies have shown success for treating other illnesses such as depression, and social anxiety .

I like to think of it also as Self-awareness with intention or emotional intelligence. The more you are aware of what’s happening emotionally the better equipped you are to respond in a healthy way.

How does it work?

Basically it’s about being aware of what’s happening physically and emotionally for you in that moment and controlling what comes next.

The idea is that there is time or space between something happening and our reaction therefore through self-awareness we can emotionally self-regulate and ultimately change the way we would normally think, feel, and behave.

Reduce stress techniques

• Self-reflection – setting time to think about past experiences, actions, goals etc.
• Reduce stress with exercise – Any type of deliberate balanced exercise positive. Walking, yoga, running, deliberate breathing, swimming etc.
• Meditation and Yoga asana – Helps bridge between body, mind, and breath
• Mindfulness meditation – The ability to be present – in the moment, aware of our emotions, thoughts and our sensations

Studies have drawn successful links between Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, (MBSR) and decreases in depression and anxiety