The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Method

Mindfulness has continually been found to change the makeup and how the brain responds, particularly in those with anxiety disorders. Mindfulness practice increases the density of the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain in charge of emotions and complex problem solving (Hölzel, et al., 2011).
Mindfulness also decreases the size of the amygdala, a key player in anxiety and the center of the brain’s fight or flight response. Mindfulness decreases the stress hormone cortisol and increases GABA (Guglietti, Daskalakis, Radhu, Fitzgerald, & Ritvo, 2013), an important neurotransmitter that, when low, is associated with anxiety disorders and panic attacks. Lastly, Mindfulness can strengthen and activate the relaxation response (Galvin JA, Benson H, Deckro GR, Fricchione GL, Dusek JA. (2006). Research suggests that Mindfulness has significant benefits for health, well-being, and quality of life.
molecular biologist from the University of Massachusetts Medical Center (Grossman, 2008). Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn conducted research on patients experiencing anxiety and depression and created the MBSR intervention in an effort to help diminish the symptoms linked with anxiety disorders. MBSR is understood to change emotional responding by modifying the emotional and regulatory cognitive processes (Cropley, Kabat-Zinn, Light, Wheeler, 1998). MBSR therapy is one of the most studied forms of mindfulness training in the United States and is adjustable to a range of psychological situations and circumstances (Biegel, et al.