Mindfulness-based interventions as effective as medication for reducing anxiety, study finds.Practicing mindfulness reduces anxiety as effectively as medication, research shows.
Mindfulness is an effective way to reduce anxiety, according to a recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry. The study compared the effects of mindfulness-based interventions to a common anti-anxiety medication, escitalopram, and found that both had similar effects in reducing anxiety. Mindfulness involves breath awareness exercises, body scans and mindful movement, and is believed to help interrupt a negative feedback loop in the brain. Studies have also shown that practicing mindfulness can rewire the brain, leading to long-term changes in behavior and thinking. A certified mindfulness practitioner can help guide individuals through mindfulness exercises, and centers affiliated with the Insight Meditation Society offer donation-based mindfulness classes.
Mindfulness is a powerful tool for reducing anxiety. The recent JAMA Psychiatry study showed that mindfulness-based interventions were just as effective as the anti-anxiety medication escitalopram in reducing anxiety. This study provides evidence that mindfulness can be an effective alternative to traditional treatments for anxiety disorders, particularly for those who are not comfortable seeing a psychiatrist or who experience negative side effects from medication. Mindfulness works by interrupting a negative feedback loop in the brain and by rewiring the brain to have new habits. It can help turn off the part of the brain that helps regulate fear, stress, and other emotions, leading to long-term changes in behavior and thinking.
Mindfulness exercises can be done at home and include breath awareness exercises, body scans, and mindful movement. It is important to be consistent with mindfulness exercises in order to get the most benefit. Certified mindfulness practitioners can help guide individuals through mindfulness exercises, and centers affiliated with the Insight Meditation Society offer donation-based mindfulness classes.
Julie Rose, a 48 year old podcast host from Provo, Utah, found mindfulness to be a helpful tool for managing her anxiety. She attended eight weeks of mindfulness classes and found that with meditation, she could acknowledge her anxious thoughts in a way that allowed them to pass more easily and quickly. She also found that on days she meditated, she slept better and felt better overall.
Mindfulness is a promising tool for reducing anxiety. The recent JAMA Psychiatry study showed that mindfulness-based interventions were just as effective as the anti-anxiety medication escitalopram in reducing anxiety. Mindfulness works by interrupting a negative feedback loop in the brain and rewiring the brain to have new habits. It can help turn off the part of the brain that helps regulate fear, stress, and other emotions, leading to long-term changes in behavior and thinking. Certified mindfulness practitioners can help guide individuals through mindfulness exercises, and centers affiliated with the Insight Meditation Society offer donation-based mindfulness classes. Mindfulness can be an effective alternative to traditional treatments for anxiety disorders, and can be a powerful tool in helping individuals manage their anxiety.
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