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Mindfulness is about more than meditation
It means paying attention to whatever you’re thinking, feeling, or sensing in a given moment, without judging those thoughts or feelings as “good” or “bad.”
Mindfulness is good for our bodies
A seminal study found that, after just eight weeks of training, practicing mindfulness boosts our immune system’s ability to fight off illness.
Mindfulness is good for our minds
Research suggests that mindfulness increases positive emotions while reducing negative emotions and stress. At least one study has found that it may be as good as antidepressants in fighting depression.
Mindfulness changes our brains
A Harvard Medical School study found that, after eight weeks of practice, mindfulness increases the density of gray matter in brain regions linked to learning, memory, emotion regulation, and empathy.
Mindfulness increases kindness and compassion
Research suggests it makes us more likely to help someone in need and increases activity in brain networks involved in understanding the suffering of others.
Mindfulness helps us focus
Studies suggest it helps us tune out distractions and improves our memory and attention skills.
Mindfulness helps schools
Dozens of studies have suggested that it could improve students’ grades, social skills, and behavior, and that it might help reduce stress and burnout among teachers as well.
For more on the science of mindfulness, visit the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley.