Mindfulness Programs

Mindfulness involves a series of attention training practices and cognitive strategies that can help you unhook from unproductive thought patterns and behaviours. It involves learning to pay attention to the present moment rather than worrying or dwelling in the past. It also involves developing an attitude of friendliness toward yourself, as opposed to criticism or judgment.

Research shows that mindfulness can:

  • Reduce stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms
  • Increase resilience and peace of mind
  • Enhance cognitive performance e.g. concentration, memory and processing speed
  • Improve study and work performance
  • Improve relationships and overall wellbeing

Monash University is a world leader in mindfulness programs. We currently offer a number of mindfulness programs designed to enhance the experience of both students and staff. We are working towards embedding mindfulness in the core curriculum by 2015 so that all Monash students will have the opportunity to learn mindfulness. 

What is mindfulness? (doc 30KB)

Daily mindfulness tips (doc 28KB)

Monash Facilitators

Dr Craig Hassed from the Department of General Practice, is now working with us to expand the range of resilience-building programs. He is a regular speaker in Australia and internationally on the application of holistic, integrative and mind-body medicine in medical practice and connecting knowledge systems.

Dr Richard Chambers is a clinical psychologist specializing in using mindfulness-based therapies with adolescents and young adults. He has published a number of peer-reviewed journal articles and was involved in the development of Smiling Mind, a website and iPhone App designed to make mindfulness accessible to young people.

Our counsellors are also an integral part of the delivery of mindfulness initiatives.

Mindfulness offerings at Monash

Monash University offers a number of mindfulness programs to enhance the resilience, performance and wellbeing of students and staff. These include a number of innovative programs such as Mindfulness for Academic Success and the Stress Release Program, which are now being used by other tertiary institutions domestically and internationally.

These programs include: 

Offering Format Audience
Mindfulness for Academic Success (MAS) 5 x 60 minute sessions Students
Mindfulness At Work (M@W) 5 x 60 minute lunchtime sessions Staff
Stress Release Program (SRP) 6 x 60 minutes sessions Staff
Introductory Mindfulness Course 5 x 90 minute sessions Staff
Train the Trainer 4 x 90 minute sessions Staff

Mindfulness for wellbeing, resilience and performance - Staff

 Half day Staff

Mindfulness for wellbeing, resilience and performance - Supervisors

 Half day Staff
Lunchtime drop-in meditation sessions 30 minute sessions  Students and staff