The study found that personal mindfulness classes help improve mental health for at least six months

The study found that personal mindfulness classes help improve mental health for at least six months.

According to researchers at the University of Cambridge, taking personal mindfulness classes can reduce the likelihood of experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety.

The researchers came to this conclusion after observing the participants while they were taking group lessons with the teacher.

“In our previous work, it was not clear whether these mindfulness classes could promote mental health in different community settings,” said lead researcher Dr Julieta Gallant, who conducted the research at the University of Cambridge.

This new analysis, which combines data from 13 studies, shows that these classes “actually work for the average individual,” she said, after collecting data from 2,371 participants.

What is vigilance?

Researchers have defined mindfulness as “awareness that arises through paying attention intentionally, in the present moment, and without judgment as to what is unfolding moment by moment of experience.”

These courses, formally known as Mindfulness-Based Programs (MBP), often combine elements of meditation, body awareness, and modern psychology. They are designed to help reduce stress, improve well-being, and build mental and emotional resilience.

One of the most popular MBP programs was created by Professor Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979. It includes elements of yoga exercises, meditation, and the teachings of Zen Buddhism. However, the software is secular and has been developed to be science based.

Exercises such as focusing on your breathing and paying attention to your feelings while performing daily tasks such as eating or brushing your teeth can be found in MBPs.

It just doesn’t work for some people.

In their introduction, the team notes that “too little focus is placed on prevention rather than treatment” when it comes to mental health disorders. This is despite chronic depression affecting between 5 and 10% of EU citizens, with anxiety-related disorders also prevalent.

The scientists cautioned that these findings are based on statistics and that vigilance is not a magic bullet. We are not saying that it must be done by every person; “Research shows that it doesn’t work for some people,” Gallant said.

She added, “We don’t have any evidence that mindfulness is better than other wellness practices, but if you don’t, these types of mindfulness classes are definitely among the options that can be helpful.”

Scientists have also expressed concern about the growing number of mobile apps for mindfulness software.

“The apps may be cheaper, but there is not the same evidence base for their effectiveness,” Gallant said. “Some applications may say they are evidence-based, but they often refer to personal testing with a teacher and a group.”

Mindfulness is not limited to mental health issues; Previous studies suggest that it may also be beneficial for chronic pain or migraines.