Mindfulness Techniques Relieve Stress

Posted on June 28, 2009 in Health & Medicine, Holistic Remedies, Recent Studies

If job woes are occupying your every waking thought, it might be time to divert your mind. Mindfulness training can relieve stress symptoms, daily hassles and even medical problems, according to research conducted at West Virginia University.

The study surveyed 103 participants. Half the group was trained for eight weeks on how to handle stress at work with practices like yoga poses, meditation and breathing methods. After the initial eight weeks, participants were followed for three months to track how their training affected work-related stress.

Mindfulness techniques are derived from ancient practices taught by Buddha, who believed that the mind should be concerned with the present. It was believed that dwelling in the past and future brings anxiety. The WVU study incorporated less traditional techniques as well, instructing participants in a “deep tasting” exercise. The group looked at a raisin, smelled it and took small bites to savor the taste.

According to the study, even 10 minutes of mindful meditation can help relieve work-related stress. Researchers emphasized the need to slow down after a hectic day in the office, especially since stress can take a medical toll. Higher heart rate, blood pressure and respiration are all linked to a stressful environment.