New research reveals how short bursts of daily mindfulness can boost wellbeing, combat depression and anxiety, and inspire healthier lifestyle choices.
In a new study published in the British Journal of Health Psychology , researchers from the Universities of Southampton and Bath have unveiled how just ten minutes of daily mindfulness practice can improve wellbeing, ease depression and anxiety, and help people to be more motivated to improve their lifestyle – including healthier exercise, eating and sleeping habits.
The research, which enrolled 1,247 adults from 91 countries, demonstrates that brief daily mindfulness sessions, delivered through a free mobile app Medito , can have profound benefits.
Participants, most of whom had no prior mindfulness experience, were randomly allocated to a month-long mindfulness routine or a control condition—listening to excerpts from Alice in Wonderland. Daily mindfulness sessions included relaxation exercises, intention-setting, body scans, breath-focused attention, and self-reflection.
Co-author Dr Ben Ainsworth , who leads the Digital Intervention Group at the University of Southampton, said: “The research underscores how digital technology – in this case, a freely available app – can help people integrate behavioural and psychological techniques into their lives, in a way that suits them.”
The positive effects of mindfulness were largely maintained after 30 days. In survey follow-ups one month later (Day 61) the mindfulness group showed sustained improvements to their wellbeing, depression, attitudes, and even reporting better sleep quality.
