MINDFULNESS-BASED STRESS REDUCTION (MBSR) is the largest and best-known stress reduction programme in the world. It was developed for people suffering from stress, stress-related conditions and chronic pain by Dr Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center over 30 years ago.

The benefits of Mindfulness have been widely endorsed by the international scientific and medical communities, including the UK’s National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE).* Mindfulness simply means non-judgmental, moment-to-moment awareness of thoughts, feelings and sensations. It develops concentration and the ability to witness the present, as opposed to being caught up in, your thoughts.

Those who have completed the Mindfulness course report:

• An ability to cope better with long-term and short-term stress
• Greater energy and enthusiasm for life
• Increased confidence and improved self-esteem
• Greater capacity to cope with pain and difficulty
• A sense of empowerment and well-being
• A valuable insight into their own inner strength and resources

*NICE recommends the course for those who have had several episodes of clinical depression in order to reduce significantly the likelihood of future relapse.