Workshops, Classes, and Consultations

Live Zoom classes and consultations for the MIT community: May–June 2026

Unwind relaxation classes — Weekly

This live 15-minute, drop-in class includes simple stretches to release tension in the body and guided meditation to release tension in the mind. Register once and attend as often as you wish.

Instructor: Zan Barry - MIT Health 

Noon Unwind — Tuesdays 12–12:15 p.m. Click here to register

4:45 Unwind — Thursdays 4:45–5 p.m. Click here to register

Mindfulness Mini-Course — Starts May 4

Learn about and practice mindfulness meditation, breathing techniques, and skills for daily life to calm the mind and body. All experience levels are welcome.
 
Instructor: Zan Barry – MIT Health
 
Mondays 12-12:45 p.m.
Dates: May 4, 11, 18
(Feel free to register even if you are not able to attend all three sessions).
 

Yoga at the Desk: 30-minute movement — Classes starting May 8 and June 4

Practice gentle, beginner-friendly yoga stretches and breathing techniques you can do during the workday. Bring healthy movement to the joints and muscles, take a break, and boost your mood. Clothing that allows you to stretch and breathe deeply is recommended, but no special clothing, equipment, or experience is needed. Feel free to register even if you are not able to attend all sessions.

Instructor: Zan Barry – MIT Health

Fridays 12:15–12:45 p.m.
May 8, 15, 22
Register today 

Thursdays 4–4:30 p.m.
June 4, 11, 18, 25
Register today

Mindfulness Skills for Stress Reduction — Starts June 5

Even the finest instrument needs to be tuned regularly, and so does the stress response. If you could use a tune-up, take a few minutes for yourself and learn the foundational skills of mindfulness for stress reduction. This two-part workshop, grounded in decades of research, applies a variety of mindfulness practices to manage stress. All experience levels welcome. Feel free to register even if you are not able to attend both sessions.
 
Instructor: Zan Barry – MIT Health
 
Fridays 12–12:45 p.m.
June 5 and 12
 

Why do I wake up at 3 am? Understanding and coping with nighttime awakenings – June 19

If you ever find yourself awake again in the middle of your night's sleep and have trouble falling back asleep, you are not alone. In this workshop, we'll explore the contributors to middle-of-the-night awakenings and learn practical techniques and gentle lifestyle tweaks to either prevent these wake-ups or handle them calmly when they happen. You'll come away from this workshop with tools and a sleep-better-tonight plan.
 
Instructor: Zan Barry – MIT Health
 
Friday, June 19
12–12:45 p.m.
 

Video Recordings 

By viewing this content, I agree to assume all risks associated with MIT Health classes. I release MIT from any liability, claims, and actions that may arise from injury or harm to me, or from damage to my property, due to this activity.
 

Anytime Unwind

These recordings are on-demand versions of live Unwind classes from MIT Health. They include simple stretches to release tension in the body and guided meditation to release tension in the mind.
 
 
 

Gatha Meditation

This form of meditation is often included in mindfulness courses from MIT Health. It helps to train relaxation, and focus by matching the inhale and the exhale to a brief phrase.
 
I know I am breathing in…” — 4 m 33 s
 
I have arrived, I am home…” — 5 m 24 s
 

Yoga Nidra Meditation

This form of guided meditation is sometimes called “an alternative to a power nap.” It is typically done lying down quietly and resting the body while guiding the mind into relaxation.
 

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is a process of progressively tensing and releasing different muscle groups, intended to create moderate sensation without pain. It can reduce both psychological and physiological stress or create greater self-awareness of areas of tension and relaxation.