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What is mindfulness? According to the journal Perspective on Psychological Science, a study described it as "the nonjudgmental awareness of experiences in the present moment. Most of us know this as meditation. Contrary to what many think, Mindfulness is not the practice of clearing the mind, but the practice of focusing and directing awareness.
- It changes the brain in a protective way. University of Oregon researchers found that integrative body-mind training, a meditation technique, can actually result in brain changes that may be protective against mental illness. The meditation practice was linked with increased signaling connections in the brain; something called axonal density, as well as increased protective tissue around the axons in the brain. This may also help with dementia and diseases like Alzheimer's.
- It literally lowers stress. Recent research published in the journal Health Psychology shows that mindfulness is not only associated with feeling less stressed, it's also linked with decreased levels of the stress hormone Cortisol.
- It helps you sleep better. A University of Utah study found that mindfulness training can not only help us better control our emotions and moods, but it can also help us sleep better. People who reported higher levels of mindfulness described better control over their emotions and behaviors during the day. In addition, higher mindfulness was associated with lower stress at bedtime.
- It supports weight-loss goals. Trying to shed a few pounds to get to a healthier weight? Mindfulness could be a powerful tool. According to a survey of psychologists conducted by Consumer Reports and the American Psychological Association, Mindfulness training was considered an "excellent" or "good" strategy for weight loss by seven out of 10 psychologists in the survey.
- It comes in handy during cold season. Along with good hygiene, mindfulness meditation and exercise could lessen the nasty effects of colds. Researchers from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Health found that people who engage in mindfulness practice miss fewer days of work from acute respiratory infections, and also experience a shortened duration and severity of symptoms. Mindfulness is a powerful tool to improve overall health and happiness.
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