Anxiety is one of the most common human experiences. Feeling your heart race before an important meeting or worrying about the future is part of life. The problem arises when this state of alertness becomes constant, damaging well-being, sleep, relationships and even physical health.<\/p>\n
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 260 million people in the world live with anxiety disorders. In Brazil, research by Fiocruz shows that around 9% of the population has frequent symptoms of anxiety.
\nIn recent years, an ancient practice has gained prominence in the scientific field as an ally in this challenge: Mindfulness.<\/p>\n
What is Mindfulness?<\/strong> Although it has its roots in Eastern contemplative traditions, its application is now widely studied by universities and hospitals around the world, such as Harvard Medical School (USA), Oxford University (UK) and Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein (Brazil). What do the surveys say?<\/strong><\/em> Impact on hormones: Studies published in Psychoneuroendocrinology revealed that Mindfulness lowers levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. That's why it's a fundamental training for mental health and a better quality of life. Hospitals such as Albert Einstein and S\u00edrio-Liban\u00eas already offer Mindfulness programs as part of integrative therapies, especially for patients with stress, chronic pain and mood disorders.<\/p>\n
\nMindfulness can be translated as \"full attention\". It involves training the mind to be present in the moment, observing thoughts, emotions and bodily sensations without judgment. In other words, living in the here and now.<\/p>\n
\nThese institutions have shown that, with simple practices, it is possible to reconfigure the way the brain deals with stress.<\/p>\n
\nOne of the most studied programs is Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), created by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts. Several studies have proven its benefits:
\nBrain regulation: Research from Harvard University shows that the practice reduces the activity of the amygdala, a region linked to fear and stress.<\/p>\n
\nClinical efficacy: In 2022, the journal JAMA Psychiatry published a study showing that MBSR was as effective as anxiolytic drugs (such as Escitalopram) in treating anxiety.<\/p>\n