Definition: Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), a form of stress relief rooted in the practice of mindfulness and cognitive therapy, was originally developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn and colleagues. It has gained popularity in recent years and has been found to be a rather effective means of stress relief. Used therapeutically, mindfulness-based therapies have been shown effective as a treatment or complementary treatment for more serious conditions such as borderline personality disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and depression. Mindfulness-based stress reduction has been effectively used to help treat everyday stress, as well as the more significant stresses experienced by people with HIV, heart disease, and other serious chronic health conditions. Mindfulness-based stress reduction can be learned through classes or by a trained therapist; however, it’s also possible to practice mindfulness exercises learned online to effectively manage stress. (Read more on mindfulness.)
Sources:
Carlson LE, Garland SN. Impact of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on Sleep, Mood, Stress and Fatigue Symptoms in Cancer Outpatients. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 2005.
Also Known As: mindfulness based stress management, MBSR
Alternate Spellings: mindfulness-based stress reduction
