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Vanderbilt launches Headspace Challenge to encourage mindfulness and meditation

From Oct. 5 to 30, undergraduate, graduate and professional students can join Vanderbilt’s Headspace Challenge, designed to encourage meditation among students in support of their mental health and well-being.

Headspace is an award-winning research-backed digital tool for mindful living featuring more than 1,200 hours of themed meditations, sleep content, mindful movement exercises and focus music.

To encourage friendly competition, Vanderbilt will be offering prizes to the undergraduate first-year, second-year, third-year, fourth-year and graduate or professional student who has logged the most minutes of meditation in Headspace. The university also will announce—for bragging rights—which undergraduate class logs the most minutes. Please note that Headspace will provide Vanderbilt with the names and number of minutes each participant contributes to the challenge.

Students can enroll for free in the Headspace program here and by refreshing their browser or downloading the Headspace app. To join the challenge, students should use either the “Today” or “Meditate” modes.

Students with questions should review the below FAQ or reach out to teamsupport@headspace.com.

Vanderbilt’s Headspace Challenge FAQ

Q: What is Headspace?

A: Vanderbilt has arranged for students to have free access to Headspace—an award-winning research-backed digital tool for mindful living with more than 1,200 hours of themed meditations, sleep content, mindful movement exercises and focus music. With more than 75 research collaborations and 26 published studies, Headspace has been shown to reduce stress, improve focus and increase resilience and happiness.

Q: How do I participate in the challenge?

A: If you have enrolled in the Vanderbilt Headspace program, you will be able to access the challenge module through the “Meditate” mode or “Today” mode of the Headspace app, depending on your phone model. If you are new to Headspace, enroll now for free at https://work.headspace.com/vanderbilt/member-enroll.

Q: What are the prizes?

A: There will be Vanderbilt swag for the Headspace Challenge winners. Please note, Headspace will share with Vanderbilt who has participated in the challenge and how many minutes each participant contributed to the challenge.

Q: How long will the meditation challenge last?

A: Oct. 5–30

Q: I’m having trouble enrolling and participating in the challenge. Who do I contact?

A: If you have any questions, please email Headspace at teamsupport@headspace.com. You can also chat with a live human during operating hours. They can answer questions about your account or help you with your meditation practice.