The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course was developed more than 20 years ago at the University of Massachusetts as a unique stress-reduction program for adults of all ages. It has been offered by The Mindfulness Center for Healthy Living, in collaboration with the UAMS Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging, since the mid-1990s.

“The course is about calming down and reducing stress in one’s life. We teach meditation, gentle stretching yoga and many relaxation techniques,” said Dr. Sandy Pope, assistant professor of geriatrics at UAMS. She and Mary Horne, research assistant for the Department of Geriatrics, lead MBSR courses for the general public four times a year.

About 60 percent of MBSR participants hear of the program by word of mouth, while 40 percent are referred by doctors to aid in the treatment of conditions such as chronic headaches, heart disease and fibromyalgia. “The program’s relaxation techniques are very helpful for persons of all ages dealing with conditions that can’t be remedied quickly,” Pope said.

The next MBSR course will be offered Feb. 16-April 6 at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 1818 Reservoir Road, in Little Rock. Afternoon and evening classes are available and include eight weekly meetings and one all-day session. Cost is $325; partial scholarships are available.
 For information, call (501) 526-5758 or visit www.geriatrics.uams.edu/mbsr.