Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an 8-week program that is available to University of Iowa faculty and staff in a 50% or greater, regular position who are referred by either a Health Coach or EAP. Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention intentionally to what is occurring in the present moment, acknowledging what is here with curiosity and open heartedness, even when things are challenging. Some common benefits of a regular mindfulness practice included better sleep, improved focus, responding more skillfully to emotions (anxiety, anger, or low mood), improved communication, and many more.  
Over look of mountains on a cloudy day.

Program Details: Eight weekly classes beginning on Tuesday, September 19 at University Capitol Centre (UCC.) All classes with be on Tuesdays with the exception of one week when class will be held on Wednesday, November 1. The Saturday retreat will be October 28.  

Weekly Meeting Dates: Coming Soon

Time: 5:30-8:00 p.m.

Weekly Classes: Sessions will be in person at 2520D UCC. Some classes will involve getting on the floor so comfortable clothing as well as a yoga mat are encouraged.  

Extended Saturday Retreat: An important part of the MBSR program is the retreat which will be held on Saturday, October 28. Location TBD. 

Fee: This program is free to eligible employees who complete seven out of the nine classes. However, if a participant fails to meet the required number of classes, they will be billed $450. 

Eligibility: 

  • Must agree to attend a minimum of 7 of 9 sessions (and complete an agreement regarding this)  

  • Open to University of Iowa faculty and staff in a 50% or greater, regular position

  • Must meet with a Health Coach or EAP counselor and obtain a referral to MBSR.

Request an appointment      Mindfulness Resources

side view of man sitting crossed legged on dark ground

Common Questions About MBSR

If you participated in MBSR when it was offered via UIHC (2021 and earlier) you are able to participate again. Participants who took the class in and since 2022, when liveWELL began to offer the program, are not able to obtain a free referral more than once. If you would like to participate again and are willing to pay for the service, please contact livewell@uiowa.edu.

The instructor is Brad Baldwin of Aperture. 

MBSR class experience is enhanced through commitment to daily practice during the 8-week duration of class. General guidance suggests 45-minutes of daily practice.

After you have signed referral agreement, the MBSR instructor will connect via email and offer high level guidance on class expectations. As the start of class approaches, there will be a one-on-one zoom intake with the instructor as well as a group orientation via zoom. You are required to do both a one-on-one and the group orientation.

The MBSR program will be limited to a maximum of 25 participants. 

Participants needs to be in a 50% or greater, regular position, and completed their Personal Health Assessment to be eligible for the MBSR program.