Missouri [US], May 18 (ANI): If worries about work, finances, world affairs, or other concerns trouble you, a moment of mindfulness might help. Mindfulness—paying close attention to the present moment without judgment—is known to calm anxiety and improve focus, explained Resh Gupta, a postdoctoral research associate with the Mindfulness Science and Practice research cluster.
“A lot of research has shown that mindfulness can reduce anxiety symptoms,” Gupta said.
While many who practice mindfulness daily appreciate its calming effects, researchers continue exploring how it works and which mindfulness types best address various forms of anxiety, from brief worries to chronic clinical disorders. “We all experience anxiety, but it can manifest in many different ways,” Gupta noted. “It’s a tough problem to pin down.”
In a paper published in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, Gupta and co-authors propose a nuanced framework, suggesting different mindfulness practices may be effective for different anxiety types. This approach aims to better match treatments to individual needs, Gupta said.
Todd Braver, William R. Stuckenberg Professor in Human Values and Moral Development and professor of psychological and brain sciences, co-authored the paper alongside Wendy Heller, professor of psychology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Their work is supported by the Mindfulness Science and Practice cluster and the Arts & Sciences’ Incubator for Transdisciplinary Futures.
Braver highlighted the scientific importance of this research: “There is a growing recognition that these practices can be incredibly useful in enhancing psychological well-being. But we still do not fully understand the mechanisms by which mindfulness produces beneficial effects. Scientific research helps us identify why and how certain practices are effective.”
The authors suggest mindfulness combats anxiety by enhancing cognitive control, the mental ability to regulate thoughts and actions toward achieving goals. “For example, if you know you have to go to the grocery store after work, cognitive control helps you keep that goal in mind and resist distractions,” Gupta explained.
Mindfulness positively influences cognitive control, as supported by neuroimaging studies showing meditation modulates brain regions responsible for this function. Conversely, anxiety impairs cognitive control, as worry consumes working memory space where goals are held. This can worsen symptoms, but mindfulness can interrupt this harmful cycle.
Gupta noted that different anxiety profiles may benefit from tailored mindfulness techniques. Those prone to persistent worry may find “focused attention” meditation helpful—anchoring attention to the breath or a sound and gently returning focus whenever the mind wanders.
For those experiencing hypervigilance and physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat or sweaty palms, “open monitoring” meditation might be more effective. This involves non-judgmental observation of all internal and external experiences as they occur.
Washington University’s Mindfulness Science & Practice cluster offers various resources for those interested in incorporating mindfulness into their lives, including talks and guided sessions with trained practitioners. “We’re dedicated to helping the WashU and greater St. Louis community access tools to learn about mindfulness science and practice,” Gupta said.
Braver expressed optimism that ongoing research will help individuals appreciate the diverse mindfulness practices available. “People have different options to choose from, making it easier to find one that fits their temperament, concerns, or situation,” he said. “It’s empowering to learn these practices and feel in control of using them to improve quality of life.” (ANI)
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