Body Scan
Mindfulness and Meditation at University December 31, 2021 DOI: 10.1056/nejm199811053391917 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course |
| Duration | 8-week course |
| Key points | The body scan meditation and MBSR course can reduce stress, improve wellbeing, decrease aches and pains, and increase mindfulness while decreasing symptoms of mental illness. |
Abstract
The body scan can be performed while lying down, siting or in other postures. This exercise asks you to systematically focus your attention on different parts of your body, from your feet to the muscles in your face. It is designed to help you develop a mindful awareness of your bodily sensations, and to relieve tension wherever it is found. Research has found that this mindfulness practice can help reduce stress, improve wellbeing, and decrease aches and pains. Participants who have attended the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course have shown increases in mindfulness and well-being at the end of 8 weeks and decreases in stress and systems of mental illness.