The pressures of school, relationships, work and other obligations can be overwhelming. One way students can manage stress more effectively is Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), a free class offered by the Counseling Center.

The Counseling Center is offering a free, six-week course in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) beginning Jan. 28. MBSR uses the principle of mindfulness to increase access to inner resources for coping with the stresses of school, work and personal life. Mindfulness is an open, nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment.

This world-renowned program was founded by Jon Kabat-Zinn, a renowned author and researcher from the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. MBSR has been hailed by medical journals for its ability to help people develop greater inner strength, flexibility and balance in the midst of life’s everyday ups and downs. In a sense, it’s a course on teaching emotional coping skills to deal more effectively with stress and overwhelming emotions.

The course is not for academic credit; it is a personal course designed to help improve students' academic and emotional performance. To get the maximum benefit, students will need to attend weekly 90-minute sessions for six weeks, attend a half-day retreat, and complete the homework assignments. In return for their commitment, students will gain a valuable life skill.

For more information, contact the Counseling Center at 443-4715 or mbsr@syr.edu.

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