The practice of mindfulness has many physical and mental health benefits. Research has shown that a regular mindfulness practice increases resiliency, focus, awareness, and attention for the individual. With semesters full of academic and extracurricular obligations, plus the stressors and activities of everyday life, mindfulness is an important practice for students and members to slow down, connect with themselves, and set themselves up for success.
Our mindfulness offerings are built for all levels and include education about the different types of practice. Our goal is to help participants build a foundational practice they can continue to return to the rest of their lives.
Date, Time, and Location:
Wednesdays @ The Nick – Balance from Noon – 12:30pm with Mairin.
Thursdays @ Bakke – Serenity from 4 – 4:30pm with Nick.
Meditate With Us
Join us for in-person meditations at the Nick and at Bakke.
In-Person Meditation
Our in-person meditation classes are a time to unwind and focus on the present moment. We will incorporate elements of guided meditation, mindfulness, and relaxation practices. No previous meditation experience is required. Meditation classes will take place at the Nicholas Recreation Center and at the Bakke Recreation and Wellbeing Center.
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Guidelines
- Meditation classes are free for Rec Well members.
- Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. Register at services.recwell.wisc.edu. Registration is open for the semester for each class. It closes 15 minutes before class begins. You may cancel your registration online up to two hours before the class state time
- A Rec Well employee will start checking in participants outside of the studio 10 minute before class begins. Once you’re checked in, you may enter the studio.
- Late entry will not be permitted and no exit/re-entry will be allowed after class has started.
Policies
- Participants must be 18 years or older to participate in meditation classes.
- Please arrive on time for class; for the health and safety of all participants and employees, and to avoid interruptions, absolutely no late entries will be permitted and no exit/re-entry will be permitted after class has started.
- A minimum of three participants is required for all classes to be held.
- This is a no phone zone. Please avoid cell phone use while class is in session; if necessary, please make calls and texts outside of the room.
- The use of mobile technology at any time for photo or video purposes is strictly prohibited unless approved in advance by the Marketing & Communications department (click here to submit a Marketing & Media Request).
- Out of respect for the instructor and others, please avoid conversations while class is in session.
Questions? Please email wellbeing@recwell.wisc.edu.
How to cancel your reservation
- Go to services.recwell.wisc.edu.
- Click Log In in the top right corner of the page and log in using your NetID or Guest credentials.
- Once logged in, click your name in the top right corner of the page and select Profile from the drop-down menu.
- From the menu on the left side of the page, click Program Registrations.
- Find the appointment you’d like to cancel, and click the red cancel button.
UHS Virtual Mindfulness Wellness Workshops
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Managing Anxiety and Depression
A workshop designed to help students with symptoms of anxiety and depression foster acceptance and cope effectively. Over the course of this 2-session workshop, participants will learn new ways to manage the cognitive, behavioral, and physiological aspects of anxiety and depression. In a supportive, psychoeducational setting, students will gain greater awareness, skills and strategies, and practices that promote lifelong self-care.
| Session | Dates | Time | Mode |
| 1 | February 2 and 9 | 10:30am – 12pm | Virtual |
| 2 | February 16 and 23 | 10:30am – 12pm | Virtual |
| 3 | March 2 and 9 | 10:30am – 12pm | Virtual |
| 4 | March 16 and 23 | 10:30am – 12pm | Virtual |
| 5 | April 6 and 13 | 10:30am – 12pm | Virtual |
| 6 | April 20 and 27 | 10:30am – 12pm | Virtual |
Student Success Workshops
This series of single-session workshops will focus on providing participants with information and strategies to confront common challenges and enhance academic success. Come to any or all 3 sessions!
Group Leader:
| Title | Description | Day / Date | Time |
| Make the Most of Your Time | This workshop is designed to teach students time management skills. Participants will learn techniques to organize and optimize their use of time in order to enhance efficiency and support overall academic success. | January 28, February 25, March 18, April 15 | 12:30 – 1:30pm |
| Focus Your Attention | This workshop is centered on increasing self-awareness, focus and attention. Participants will practice an array of strategies designed to strengthen attention, initiate and prioritize tasks, and minimize distractions and procrastination. If your mind was more focused on the here and now just think what you might accomplish. | February 4, March 4, April 1, April 22 | 12:30 – 1:30pm |
| Take Down Test Anxiety | This workshop is intended to help students manage test anxiety. Even when adequately prepared, it is common for students to experience anxiety before, during, and after exams. Participants will learn strategies to reduce anxiety that interferes with focus and recall of information. | February 11, March 11, April 8, April 29 | 12:30 – 1:30pm |
Mindfulness Sampler
Practice the skills of mindfulness in this multi-week workshop series. Come to any or all 8 sessions throughout the semester. Increase self-understanding, present moment awareness, and strengthen your capacity to address stressful daily challenges toward a more vital and valued life.
Group Leaders:
| Title | Description | Day / Date | Time |
| Mindfulness of Thoughts | Learn to notice thoughts without getting hooked by distressing worry or self-defeating patterns. | Monday, February 16 | 3:00 – 4:30 pm |
| Mindfulness of Body | Focus on the mind/body connection, increasing body awareness to help manage stress and pain as well as improve overall self-care. | Monday, February 23 | 3:00 – 4:30 pm |
| Mindfulness of Emotions | Apply mindfulness to cultivate more positive and balanced feelings regarding yourself and the world around you. | Monday, March 2 | 3:00 – 4:30 pm |
| Mindfulness of Behaviors | Increase ability to act intentionally, which can improve motivation, concentration, and reaching goals in daily living activities. | Monday, March 9 | 3:00 – 4:30 pm |
| Mindfulness for Anxiety and Depression | Acquire strategies for observing and unhooking from anxious and depressive spirals, focusing on being in the present moment. | Monday, March 16 | 3:00 – 4:30 pm |
| Mindfulness for Social and Environmental Justice | Learn to identify core values and beliefs while empowering mindful actions; engage intentionally and respond mindfully to social/environmental injustice. | Monday, March 23 | 3:00 – 4:30 pm |
| Mindfulness for Compassion and Self-Compassion | Apply mindfulness to cultivate more kindness and warmth toward yourself and others. | Monday, April 6 | 3:00 – 4:30 pm |
| Mindfulness for End of Semester Stress | Learn and practice mindfulness-based strategies for coping with end of semester stress and develop a specific plan. | Monday, April 13 | 3:00 – 4:30 pm |
Drop-In Virtual Support for Survivors
This is a space for UW-Madison student survivors to connect with peers and offer mutual support in a confidential and safe environment. Group facilitators are mental health professionals that foster a space that is open, affirming, and connecting for all members. Group will focus on the impact of having experienced trauma and skills/supports to support post-traumatic growth, with some boundaries placed around sharing narratives about traumatic experiences. This group is specifically designed for UW-Madison students who have experienced sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, sexual harassment, stalking, and/or childhood sexual abuse.
Mondays beginning February 9| 1-2:30pm (virtual)
Group Leaders:
