Mindfulness at Monash - Monash Centre for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies (M3CS)

Mindfulness at Monash World leader integrating mindfulness into the workplace and tertiary education.

Monash is a world leader in the integration of mindfulness into the workplace and tertiary education. Beginning in the early 1990s, Monash was the first university in the world to embed mindfulness into core curriculum. Starting with the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, mindfulness is now included in 20 courses across 10 faculties.

In 2019, over 4000 students received curriculum-based mindfulness training and an additional 1000 students and 1600 staff completed our optional workshops and programs.

The Monash Mindfulness initiative is expanding rapidly to make sure mindfulness training is accessible to all students and staff interested in learning about it.

Monash offers a range of programs for Monash students and staff. They’re designed to help reduce stress, boost study and work performance, and cultivate positive workplace relationships and culture.

Mindfulness involves training your attention and attitude to focus on the present moment rather than worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. It helps you focus more on study or work, and develop an attitude of friendliness towards yourself, rather than criticism or judgement.

We experience mindfulness in our day-to-day lives, but it can also be strengthened through training. Research shows that consistent practice of mindfulness enhances the executive function networks of the brain (such as the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus), boosting your memory and your ability to stay focused, learn, problem-solve, communicate and manage stress. These capacities are central to academic and professional life.

There are now more than 1500 new articles on mindfulness published in peer-reviewed scientific journals each year. This research shows that when practised regularly, mindfulness offers a range of benefits, including:

• reduced stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms
• increased resilience and peace of mind
• strengthening of the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus (key brain areas for learning and wellbeing)
• enhanced cognitive performance e.g. concentration, memory and processing speed
• boosts to study and work performance
• improved creativity, mental flexibility and problem-solving ability
• enhanced communication and leadership
• improved relationships (with your partner, family, colleagues and friends)

Learn more about mindfulness by tuning into the M3CS YouTube channel or check out our resources on mindfulness research and practice.

• Mindfulness meditations: download these meditation MP3s to support your practice (Monash login required).
• Daily mindfulness tips (pdf, 0.04 mb).
• Smiling mind: access recorded mindfulness meditations by visiting the website, or download the app (available for free on the App Store and Google Play).
• Explore Monash Sport for for a range of activities and resources to support your physical wellbeing.

Useful articles

• The (Nontraditional) College Student’s Guide to Mindfulness (Purdue University)
• How to practice mindfulness (Reachout)
• The health benefits of meditation and being mindful (pdf, 0.14 mb)
• Effect on Well-Being from an Online Mindfulness Intervention: “Mindful in May” (pdf, 0.76 mb)

Videos and podcasts

• ABC Catalyst: Meditation
• The New Psychology of Depression by Oxford University: Podcast Series (MBCT)

More Resources

Mindfulness programs

Monash offers a range of subsidised programs for Monash students and staff. They’re designed to help reduce stress, boost study and work performance, and cultivate positive workplace relationships and culture. Contact M3CS@monash.edu to receive your student or staff discount code for the courses below.

Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance This online four-week course will explore how we can apply mindfulness-based skills and practices to help reduce our stress and support our resilience and well-being. Staff & Students

Mindful Parenting In this four-part course, we will explore mindfulness and how it can be applied to parenting. Attendees will be invited to not just learn about mindfulness but also participate in mindful practices, such as meditation. Staff & Students

Navigating Burnout: Flourishing in Work and Life This four-part online course is a meticulously crafted program designed to enhance workplace well-being and engagement, and equip participants with the tools to help address burnout. Master the balance or work and life. Staff & Students

Mindful Leadership In the six-week online course, master the art of navigating life's challenges with grace and calm, implementing subtle yet impactful adjustments to your mindset and communication. Staff & Students

Mindfulness programs for Monash students

Mindful Critical Thinking Do your biases get in the way of making good decisions? Practicing mindfulness sharpens your awareness of your own thinking and strengthens your ability to regulate emotions. These are crucial skills for effective decision-making. Staff and Students

Lunchtime Meditation (Tuesdays online) Students, staff and community members can join in these free online meditations delivered Tuesdays at 1.15-1.45pm. No need to book, just click here to experience the benefits of mindfulness for yourself. Free to everyone

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Elective Units Explore the list of undergraduate and post graduate elective units offered by the Centre of Consciousness and Contemplative Studies and led by Mindfulness experts Professor Craig Hassed and Dr Richard Chambers Students only

Monash mindfulness leaders