
An evidence-based, scientifically tested and well-established therapy, mindfulness-based interventions have shown to improve a range of physiological and psychological measures.
Mindfulness has been conceptualized as a state in which one is highly aware of the present moment, acknowledging and accepting it, without getting caught up in thoughts about the present experience or in emotional reactions to it. Training in mindfulness attempts to increase awareness of thoughts, emotions, and maladaptive ways of responding to stress, thereby helping participants learn to cope with stress in healthier, more effective ways.
Practicing mindfulness can involve breathing exercises, body work, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body and mind to help reduce stress. As well, it has become increasingly common for mindfulness-based interventions to be combined with psychotherapy, especially cognitive behavioural therapy. Synergistically, both techniques assist patients with gaining perspective on irrational, maladaptive, and self-defeating thoughts.