Integrating mindfulness practice into everyday life after completing a course in mindfulness-based stress reduction

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While the immediate positive effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) are undisputed, it is still a matter of debate whether the effects also last in the long term and on which factors this depends. The major aim of this study was to examine the extent to which former MBSR course completers continue mindfulness exercises and how this practice is related to life satisfaction, experience of stress, and mindfulness. A total of 992 non-clinical MBSR course completers were contacted via E-Mail. A total of 192 participants responded and took part in this study. Online, we administered standardized questionnaires to assess life satisfaction, stress, and mindfulness. In addition, single items were used to ask for practice related details. Participants experienced the immediate positive effects (e.g. stress reduction, increase of concentration, and well-being) of MBSR to last over several years (m = 3.79) after course completion. The majority of participants (74.2%) reported to have continued the practice over time. Continuation of mindful exercises was positively related to well-being, mindfulness, and less stress with better effects for those participants who practice more frequently. The relaxing effect of mindfulness motivated participants to practice while the lack of time was the main reason not to practice. For sustainable effects, MBSR course completers should be supported to maintain their practice. In particular, they could benefit from learning to manage scarce time resources. Further research should investigate the usefulness of respective learning contents – within an MBSR course and for aftercare programs.