• Describe hypnosis and meditation

Mindfulness is the intentional focus on one’s immediate experiences in the present moment, devoid of judgment. It enables you to ignore the stressful feelings associated with thinking about the past or present and can help you better regulate your emotions by allowing thoughts to exist without acting on them.

Watch this video to learn more about some of the benefits of mindfulness.

You can view the transcript for “Why Mindfulness Is a Superpower: An Animation” here (opens in new window).

Mindfulness is a skill cultivated through practices such as meditation or other forms of training. Its roots trace back to sati, a significant aspect of Hindu and Buddhist traditions, and it draws upon Zen, Vipassanā, and Tibetan meditation techniques.

In recent years, mindfulness meditation has gained recognition for its many therapeutic benefits. It is often used as a complementary or alternative approach to traditional therapies and has been integrated into various settings. It has proven effective in alleviating depression, stress, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders. It has shown moderate therapeutic benefits in individuals with psychiatric disorders, including those experiencing psychosis. Additionally, mindfulness-based interventions can enhance mindfulness traits and diminish rumination and worry, which are linked to many mental disorders.

Engaging in mindfulness meditation can potentially influence physical health. The habitual recurrence of stressful thoughts can amplify physiological stress effects due to the constant activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, potentially leading to physical health problems. Mindfulness meditation, known to reduce rumination, may modify these biological pathways. Moreover, mindfulness could positively affect the immune system and reduce inflammation, which is associated with numerous chronic health conditions. Mindfulness could also diminish activity in the brain’s default mode network, possibly reducing the risk of conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Pick one of these videos to try your hand at meditation:

Select a Meditation:How to practice mindfulness5-minute mindfulness meditation by Great MeditationA mindfulness exercise

You can view the transcript for “How to practice mindfulness” here (opens in new window).

You can view the transcript for “5-minute mindfulness meditation by Great Meditation” here (opens in new window).

You can view the transcript for “A mindfulness exercise” here (opens in new window).