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Just 10 minutes of mindfulness can do wonders for your mental health, says study
Unlike essential supplements and therapy which cost a lot of money to feel good, scientists have discovered a “simple yet powerful” tool that can boost your mental and physical health.
The impact of diet, habits, and lifestyle on overall well-being is long-established. As with excessive sugar intake linked to depression, regular smokers are likely to suffer heart issues as well as premature graying of hair. What if we said you can mitigate all these issues by dedicating just ten minutes of your day?
10 minutes of mindfulness can beat anxiety and depression
For the unversed, mindfulness is a form of meditation or practice, during which you pay close attention to your present without getting overwhelmed by what’s going on around you.
The study led by the University of Bath is the first of its kind to discover the benefits of mindfulness in combating mental and physical health issues by prompting people to lead a healthier lifestyle.
The researchers made 1247 participants practice mindfulness daily using the free mobile app Medito to see if it had any effect on their overall well-being – and it did.
The daily mindful routine involved relaxation exercises, intention-setting, body scans, breath-focused attention, and self-reflection. Whereas the month-long practice required listening to excerpts from Alice in Wonderland.
The participants were surveyed after 30 days of practicing mindfulness and the changes they noticed in themselves were remarkable. The study notes the following:
- Reduced Depression by 19.2% or more than the control group.
- Improved Well-being by 6.9% more.
- Decreased Anxiety by 12.6% more.
- Attitudes to Health got more Positive by 7.1% over control group.
- Behavioral Intentions to look after Health increased by 6.5% beyond control.
Daily meditation improves overall well-being
The participants reported feeling much better after practicing mindfulness for 30 days, with some saying they gained a sense of control by the end of it.
One of the persons who was surveyed said: “Awareness, self-control, gratitude, I am more patient, and I take more joy from the present moment.”
“Clear mind. Feeling like everything’s under control and I’ll be able to do what I set my mind to,” said another.
The researchers have shared a more logical explanation if you’re wondering how being mindful could better your overall health. They said being mindful for as little as ten minutes a day builds “psychological skills” essential for building healthy habits.
The study further highlights the benefits of technology in improving your life, such as the free app that guides you through daily mindfulness practices.
Researchers were thrilled to know that the benefits of mindfulness sustained much after the course ended, “suggesting this practice can help build sustainable habits.”
