The information and figures provided are sourced from data that was publicly accessible at the time of this write-up. Keep in mind that some data might have changed subsequently. For the latest updates on COVID-19, go to our dedicated coronavirus hub. Mindfulness refers to a mental process where one focuses their attention on the present, observing their immediate surroundings, thoughts, and emotions without passing judgment. For guidance on preventing and treating COVID-19, refer to our dedicated coronavirus hub.
A research conducted by scholars at the Wake Forest School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, NC, investigated the therapeutic benefits of virtual mindfulness sessions for individuals emotionally impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Following a mindfulness session conducted online, 89% of participants found the experience beneficial. The lead researcher, Dr. Rebecca Erwin Wells, M.P.H., of Wake Forest School of Medicine, stated, “We all inherently possess the capability for mindfulness. It can help in mitigating stress and anxiety, and mindfulness meditation can further enhance this skill.”
The research was inspired by “Mindfulness for Milan,” a series of free daily mindfulness training sessions provided by Italian physician Dr. Licia Grazzi during the lockdown period. Grazzi is also a co-author of the recent study, the findings of which have been published in the Global Advances in Health and Medicine journal.
The study ran from March 23, 2020, to August 4, 2020, with participants including healthcare professionals, individuals suffering from migraines, and the general populace. Among the 233 participants, 203 were from 116 distinctive zip codes in the United States. Additionally, there were 20 foreign participants and ten participants from unidentified locations.
Each participant was required to fill a pre-session questionnaire, partake in a 15-minute video mindfulness session online, and then fill a post-session questionnaire. 63% of the participants had no prior experience with mindfulness. The session began with an instructor explaining the concept of mindfulness, followed by a guided practice urging individuals to be present, focus on their breathing, and the state of “just being.” The practice involved releasing thoughts, feelings, and sensations during the session gently, signaled by the start and end of the session by the sound of a bell.
Of the 144 participants who filled the post-session questionnaire, 76% acknowledged reduced anxiety, and 80% reported experiencing less stress following the session. 55% of participants felt lesser concerns about COVID-19 due to the session. Overall, 89% of participants found the session beneficial, with the same percentage validating the effectiveness of the online delivery method. 74% of the participants stated they would suggest online mindfulness sessions to their friends and relatives.
The study revealed limitations, including potential skewed results due to some participants continuing meditation post-session, distractions experienced by the participants after the session, or technical difficulties faced. The study was primarily conducted during the early phases of the pandemic, leading to the possible exaggeration of participant’s emotional response and the mindfulness session’s impact. Also, the lack of diversity among participants (84% were white) presented a limitation, highlighting a need for further research to understand the reasons behind the lack of diversity among participants.
The researchers also conducted an analysis of the popularity of mindfulness online, monitoring the Google search results for “mindfulness + COVID” on May 19, 2020, and August 23, 2020. The results indicated a growing interest in mindfulness as the pandemic continued, with a 52% increase in the search phrase’s appearance. The study also provides a list of online mindfulness resources from extensive online databases, guided recordings, and external links offered by the Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine and Health members.
To stay updated on the novel coronavirus and COVID-19’s newest developments, click here. This article aims to explore the benefits and potential downsides of practicing mindfulness or meditation. It will delve into various meditation types and their benefits, including tips for improving meditation and detailing the time required for it to take effect. The article also discusses apps aiding sleep meditation for those struggling with insomnia or difficulty falling asleep and presents recommended children’s meditation apps. Lastly, the article delves into the apparent increase in anxiety in society, exploring why this might be happening.