The benefits of mindfulness, according to science
There's an enormous body of scientific work showing that mindfulness offers health and psychological benefits.
Richard Davidson’s lab, Center for Healthy Minds, is one of many highly esteemed scientific labs devoted to looking at the effects of mindfulness & also trying to overcome some of the hurdles.
A recent article in The Conversation on 'The problem with mindfulness' doesn’t cite any research with data that mindfulness doesn’t produce benefits; rather, it says that the studies have not been conducted vigorously enough, or the methodology could improve.
This could be said for every studied technique in psychology.
The bulk of ‘the problem with mindfulness’ article does not identify which effects the author implies aren’t valid, but rather focuses on the links with Buddhist ideology & spirituality, & is critical of a technique that is ‘spiritual’.
A well-cited 2016 Forbes article by Jeena Cho outlines six scientifically proven benefits of mindfulness and mediation.
Mindfulness reduces anxiety
Mindfulness meditation reduces implicit age and race bias
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy may prevent and treat depression
Increases body satisfaction
Improves cognition
Help the brain reduce distractions and improve concentration
From Harvard to the American Psychological Association, researchers everywhere are discovering the benefits of mindfulness on the human brain. It allows us to focus our thoughts, find peace in our presence, and regulate our emotional landscape.
Dr Maria-Elena Lukeides