Counseling Services

Mindfulness

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is:

...paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.

Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, founding Executive Director of the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical School

Research has shown that mindfulness practice has many benefits:

  • Stress reduction
  • Increase in working memory
  • Less emotional reactivity
  • More cognitive flexibility
  • Increased relationship satisfaction
  • Health benefits such as increased immune function

Mindfulness Audio and Video

Mindfulness Apps

  • Breathe2Relax (iOS): Breathe2Relax is a portable stress management tool. Breathe2Relax is a hands-on diaphragmatic breathing exercise. Breathing exercises have been documented to decrease the body's 'fight-or-flight' (stress) response, and help with mood stabilization, anger control, and anxiety management.

Check out more Apps on our Self-Help Apps page.

UH Hilo Resources

  • Relaxation Station: Feeling overwhelmed or just plain stressed out? Come let go of your stress at Relaxation Station with fun and relaxing activities. Mandalas, sand play, vision board collage and play-doh are just some of the relaxing activities. Free to all UH Hilo students.
  • Mindfulness and Stress Management Class: "You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf." - quoted by Jon Kabat-Zinn in Wherever You Go, There You Are. In just 4 classes, you can learn the tools you need to surf the waves of stress. Come join us!
  • HeartMath Training: Learn more about HeartMath at UH Hilo! See also the HeartMath website for more information.