In recent years, new and innovative ways to optimise mental health have materialised. One such method is mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) therapy, a programme to relieve stress, depression and anxiety that has also been helpful in the alleviation of chronic pain.
MBSR uses meditation and mindfulness techniques alongside training the body through physical exertion to relieve mental stress. Being aware of one’s body can focus the mind by bringing a person into the present, which causes outside pressures to be forgotten for a time so the mind is rested.
MBSR gives practitioners the tools to deal with thoughts and emotions so they can cope with current situations of high stress. There is a cyclical effect: as stress is reduced, they are better able to deal with similarly stressful situations in the future, leading to a more stable frame of mind.
How it helps
MBSR has been seen to alleviate the symptoms and causes of anxiety, ADHD, depression, stress, anger, and insomnia. It has also helped in the treatment of chronic headaches or migraines and other forms of pain, as well as high blood pressure and fatigue.
While more research is needed to see the quantitative effects of the programme on other ailments, it has been used alongside more traditional forms of medical treatment to help with cancer, diabetes, skin problems, and psychological diseases such as eating disorders.
As MBSR does not include any drugs, it has been championed by midwives to help decrease the stress levels of pregnant women, particularly in their third trimester. It is hoped it will be able to help in treating pre- and postnatal mental disorders such as depression and anxiety.
How it works
MBSR helps practitioners address unconscious thoughts and feelings that impact on how they behave and feel. The aim is to slow down, relax and rebalance the body and brain through awareness.
In rebalancing, the breath and heart rate are slowed, which has beneficial effects on the body and mind. It can be seen as a way of retraining your attention to better direct it into areas that will help, as opposed to channelling feelings and thoughts into a greater state of anxiety.
Anxiety and stress are closely linked – not only do they have an impact on a person’s mental state, they can also affect their physical health. Through regular body scans, meditation and yoga, the mind and body are encouraged to work together to facilitate healing.
Key takeaways
Research has proven that MBSR effectively helps alleviate stress and reduces the effects of similar situations on a practitioner’s mental health in the future. This can have lasting positive effects on the mind and body as a whole, which is why the programme has been included alongside treatments for many illnesses and conditions.
That said, MBSR should only be used alongside medical treatment recommended by a trained healthcare professional. Speak to your doctor before embarking on the programme to see whether it will truly help your case and whether it is suitable for you.
Dennis Relojo-Howell is the founder of Psychreg. Connect with him on Twitter @dennisr_howell.