MBSR course at work: stress reduction through mindfulness

An MBSR course is a ready-made programme: eight weeks, one session per week, led by a trained course leader. The company provides the room and the time, the professionals bring the course. This makes it a good entry into the stress field of action if you want more than a single talk.

What happens in an MBSR course?

MBSR stands for Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn. In eight weekly sessions, participants practise noticing tension earlier and not reacting to it automatically: sitting, lying down, in calm movement. In between, they practise at home. Participants should attend all sessions if possible; this belongs in the announcement.

How do you find a good course leader?

Ask about their MBSR training and whether the course is certified by the Central Prevention Testing Office (Zentrale Prüfstelle Prävention, ZPP) as a prevention course under § 20 SGB V (German law). With a certificate, the course counts as a recognised prevention course. You will find course leaders in the marketplace or via your health insurance fund.

What does it cost?

The course leader invoices the course; you provide the room and the time. If the employer pays for a certified course in addition to wages, this can be tax-free (§ 3 Nr. 34 EStG, German law; allowance of up to €600 per person per year). Only your tax adviser can confirm this.