Updated On: November 3, 2023
Whether it is a looming work deadline, pressure at school, or a case of FOMO brought on by social media, stress and anxiety are, unfortunately, a normal part of this modern age. But, just because you experience these uncomfortable feelings, it doesn’t mean there is nothing you can do about it. In fact, practicing mindful meditation is a low-cost, scientifically proven way to help reduce your anxiety ― and anyone can do it.
A study published by Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found that when 15 healthy volunteers were taught how to focus on mindful breathing and body sensations, it could actually combat their distracting and anxious thoughts. Because anxiety is a cognitive state that renders a person unable to regulate their emotional responses to perceived threats, meditation strengthens a person’s ability to regulate strong emotions.
To better understand the brain functions behind mindfulness, the Wake Forest researchers used MRIs to compare the effects of practicing meditation on the state of anxiety among study participants. Meditation dramatically reduced anxiety for each subject in every session, and the brain imaging found anxiety relief specifically occured in areas of the brain that help control worrying. Meditation-related activation of key areas of the brain directly contributed to anxiety relief.
“Mindful meditation allows you to be able to better deal with a situation and access parts of your brain that may not be readily available when you are feeling anxious, as you are overwhelmed,” said Kimberly Leitch, a Talkspace therapist. “That anxiety can lead to decisions we may not normally make in a similar situation when we are not feeling anxious.”
Often, the purpose of reflection with intention is to focus and train your brain to stay in the present moment, letting go of past regrets as well as future plans. When experiencing these moments of anxiety, meditation is found to effectively help manage a person’s negative feelings. It allows the person to concentrate on positive thoughts by letting go of pain and can rewire our brains over time.
There are some pretty simple ways to start incorporating mindful meditation into your life ― and it can take as little as 15 minutes each day. Some are listed below:
Meditation doesn’t need to be difficult or expensive, and its positive scientific benefits are both emotional and physical. It not only helps reduce anxiety, but it can help you stay energized, lower blood pressure, and improve your mood. So go on ― clear your mind!
Jessica DuBois-Maahs is a Chicago-based writer whose work has appeared in USA Today, Verily Magazine, The Chicago Sun-Times, and The Florida Times-Union, putting her MSJ degree from Northwestern University to good use. When she is not writing, she enjoys traveling to new places and hanging out with her cat, Buster.