Mindfulness for Stress course

learn to stay grounded & present, even in stressful moments

Are you feeling stressed? Frazzled? Can’t stop worrying?

Are you struggling with:

  • a demanding job?

  • juggling work & family life?

  • financial worries?

  • caring for others & no time for yourself?

  • worrying about the state of the world?

  • a racing mind that never seems to slow down?

Maybe life’s just become a bit routine and you have a nagging sense that there should be ‘more’ to it, that it could feel more joyful?

Whatever your reasons for feeling stressed or worried, if you’re ready to take back control and do something about it then the Mindfulness for Stress course is for you.

About the Mindfulness for Stress course

Sadly we can’t stop challenges from cropping up from time to time in our lives, but we CAN learn to respond more skilfully to them, rather than reacting in old, unhelpful ways.

The Mindfulness for Stress course offers a unique blend of ancient mindfulness techniques and modern neuroscience to help you develop healthy coping strategies you can use even when life is hard.

Over eight live, weekly sessions in a friendly group you’ll learn tools to help you slow down, reduce tension and boost your well-being.

“You can’t stop the waves but you can learn to surf”

-Jon Kabat-Zinn

What you’ll learn

You’ll learn a range of different meditations to grow your awareness, kindness and a sense of being steady and grounded even at difficult times.

As well as learning how to meditate you’ll be given a different 'micro' practice to try each week. These are simple, informal activities that you can do in the midst of everyday life.

Benefits

Here are just some of the benefits people completing this course have experienced:

  • feeling less stressed

  • sleeping better

  • less physical tension

  • ruminating less

  • feeling more connected to others

  • managing challenges better

  • greater quality of life

“Several months after your course I am still meditating every day. I feel more confident, calmer, more resilient and so much happier. The quality of my relationships both personally and professionally have improved considerably”

-Lisa

What’s included?

Mindfulness for Stress courses run over eight weeks, either online or face to face.

Included in your ticket:

  • 8 live classes of 2-2.5 hours led by an expert teacher

  • audio downloads to use for daily home practice

  • a copy of The Little Mindfulness Workbook by Gary Hennessey

  • a home practice journal

  • follow-up emails to keep you on track between sessions

  • personalised support between sessions if needed

  • lifelong access to a course Padlet for inspiration

Student feedback

“I have a better sense of how to 'be' in the moment, how to be present and experience the world around me rather than being in my head and always doing and planning”

-Julie

"I did my first mindfulness course one year ago. That course was the impetus for lots of small life changes for me, starting with walking and some form of mindfulness practice everyday. I am now over 3 stone lighter and in much better mental and physical shape than I was a year ago. I am very grateful to you."

-Michelle

“I'm much more able to cope with difficult experiences and situations. I'm able to react in a much calmer manner and not catastrophise so much.”

-Louise

“I have found the mindfulness practices and teaching have already had a profound impact. It has enabled a real shift in how I approach stressful and difficult experiences in the 8 weeks we have been doing the course, and has given me the tools I need to carry this forward in my life.”

-Ruth

Mindfulness for Stress course

A friendly in-person course held in Wantage. Over eight weekly sessions you’ll learn the principles and practices of mindfulness and how to use them in your daily life to reduce stress and feel calm and grounded.

  • 26th September - 14th November

  • Thursdays, 6.30-9pm

  • The Mix, 15 Mill Street, Wantage, OX12 9AB

  • FREE to attend thanks to funding from Oxfordshire Community Foundation (usually £280+)

Questions about this course? Please contact The Mix: wantagemix@gmail.com / 07768767787

Please note that this course is now FULLY BOOKED.

Mindfulness for Stress courses

FAQs

  • Mindfulness is not recommended for people currently experiencing severe mental health difficulties, or very stressful life events such as divorce, bereavement or moving house. Before coming on a course all students are invited for a one-to-one chat with Sally. This is a chance to talk through whether now is the right time to join the course.

  • Groups are generally between 6-12 people.

  • During the course you’ll be strongly encouraged to practise each day between our group sessions using the recordings provided. Ideally you would practise for 10 minutes, twice a day. If that sounds like a lot, don’t worry! You’ll receive lots of support, encouragement and tips for sticking with it.

  • Absolutely not! You might see images of people meditating cross-legged on the floor, but for most people that’s not a comfortable position! On my courses many people like to meditate sitting in a chair, or lying down on the floor. If you want to try sitting or kneeling on the floor I can give you pointers on posture so you don’t hurt yourself! You also choose whether to close your eyes or not.

  • Although mindfulness has roots in ancient Buddhist teachings, the modern Mindfulness movement is based on a secular and evidence-based approach developed by Prof. Jon Kabat-Zinn, an American medical doctor. Sally’s courses are completely secular and can be attended by people of any religion and none. There is no chanting, incense or religious icons.

  • Each week there will be an opportunity to share how you got on with your home practice, but you won’t be asked to share anything about your personal life. All participants will be made aware that this course is NOT group therapy. If you’re feeling nervous about being in a group setting do let Sally know when you sign up and she’ll be happy to offer additional support as needed to help you feel comfortable.

  • Most of the Mindfulness for Stress courses I run are FREE at point of access, thanks to funding and support from The Mix community centre who host them.

Not sure if this course is right for you?

Get in touch with Sally to arrange an informal chat, or take a look at the other courses on offer.