Unlocking the Power of Mindfulness: A New Study Reveals its Impact on Wellbeing and Healthy Habits
In a groundbreaking study conducted by the Universities of Bath and Southampton and published in the prestigious British Journal of Health Psychology, researchers have discovered the incredible benefits of just 10 minutes of daily mindfulness practice. This simple routine has been shown to significantly improve overall wellbeing, reduce feelings of depression and anxiety, and even motivate individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles, including better exercise, eating, and sleeping habits.
The study, which involved 1,247 adults from 91 countries who were new to mindfulness, randomly assigned participants to either a mindfulness routine or a control group. The mindfulness group engaged in various relaxation exercises, intention-setting, body scans, breath-focused attention, and self-reflection using the free Medito app for a period of 30 days. The results were truly remarkable.
Participants who incorporated mindfulness into their daily routine experienced a 19.2% greater reduction in depression, a 6.9% improvement in overall wellbeing, a 12.6% decrease in anxiety, a 7.1% increase in positive health attitudes, and a 6.5% boost in intentions to maintain healthy habits when compared to the control group. What’s even more fascinating is that these benefits were largely sustained even one month after the trial had ended, indicating the long-lasting impact of mindfulness on mental health and lifestyle choices.
Participants shared their personal experiences with mindfulness, highlighting the profound effects it had on their daily lives. From increased awareness and self-control to a deeper sense of gratitude and joy in the present moment, individuals reported a multitude of positive changes brought about by their mindfulness practice.
Lead researcher Masha Remskar emphasized the significance of incorporating mindfulness into daily life, stating that even short, daily practices can offer significant benefits for mental health. She also highlighted how mindfulness can serve as a powerful tool for enhancing overall wellbeing and building healthier habits.
Dr. Ben Ainsworth underscored the role of digital technology in making mindfulness accessible to a wider audience, noting the importance of integrating behavioral and psychological techniques into daily routines through user-friendly apps like Medito.
Dr. Max Western expressed his excitement about the study’s potential impact on healthy lifestyle behaviors, particularly in terms of building sustainable habits. The study, which was funded by the UKRI Economic and Social Research Council in collaboration with the Medito Foundation, has paved the way for a new era of mindfulness-based interventions.
As we delve deeper into the transformative power of mindfulness, MQ volunteer Jonny shares his personal journey and how mindfulness has profoundly changed his life for the better.
