Written in Collaboration with Judson Brewer, M.D., Ph.D., University of Massachusetts Medical Center’s Center for Mindfulness, Jupiter Medical Center Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction ProgramStress is a huge hindrance to productivity, health and happiness. Though it can seem overwhelming, it is possible to learn how to be an active participant in your own mental health, helping you reduce stress and become more grounded and connected in your everyday life.
Jupiter Medical Center has partnered with the renowned University of Massachusetts Medical Center and their Center for Mindfulness to bring the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program (MBSR) to Palm Beach County. The University of Massachusetts Medical Center founded its Stress Reduction Clinic in 1979 and has since become a world leader in both mind-body medicine as well as mindfulness-based treatment.
The evidence-based practice of mindfulness is a learned concept of using one’s innate resources and abilities to respond more effectively to stress, pain and illness. Mindfulness brings awareness to your thoughts, allowing you to understand them and not let them dictate your emotions. It teaches individuals to live in the present moment more fully, rather than going through the day on “autopilot” or living in the past or future.
Over the past 35 years, MBSR has shown consistent, reliable and reproducible major and clinically relevant reductions in medical and psychological symptoms across a wide range of medical and psychological diagnoses. Many of the side effects of mindfulness meditation found in scientific research include a decrease in anxiety and depression as well as greater stability in blood glucose levels and blood pressure. Participants in the program often report greater joy for the simple things in life and greater peace of mind.
The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program at Jupiter Medical Center begins in September. Over the course of eight weeks, students will learn to manage stress through:
– Guided mindfulness meditation
– Stretching and yoga
– Group discussion and mindful communications exercises
– Materials you may use at home, including practice CDs and a workbook
