Just 10 minutes of daily mindfulness practice, delivered through a free smartphone app, could be the key to unlocking a healthier, happier you. It sounds almost too good to be true, but that’s exactly what researchers from the Universities of Bath and Southampton have discovered.
In one of the largest and most diverse studies of its kind, 1,247 adults from 91 countries embarked on a 30-day mindfulness journey using the free Medito app. The results were nothing short of remarkable. Participants who completed the mindfulness program reported a 19.2% greater reduction in depression symptoms compared to the control group. They also experienced a 6.9% greater improvement in well-being and a 12.6% larger decrease in anxiety.
The benefits didn’t stop there. The study, published in the British Journal of Health Psychology, uncovered an intriguing link between mindfulness practice and healthier lifestyle choices. Participants who used the mindfulness app reported more positive attitudes towards health maintenance (7.1% higher than the control group) and stronger intentions to look after their health (6.5% higher). It’s as if the simple act of tuning into the present moment created a ripple effect, influencing not just mental health but also motivating healthier behaviors.
What makes this study particularly exciting is its accessibility. Unlike traditional mindfulness programs that might require significant time commitments or expensive retreats, this intervention was delivered entirely through a free mobile app. Participants, most of whom had no prior mindfulness experience, were asked to complete just 10 minutes of practice daily. The sessions included relaxation exercises, intention-setting, body scans, focused breathing, and self-reflection.
“This study highlights that even short, daily practices of mindfulness can offer benefits, making it a simple yet powerful tool for enhancing mental health,” says Masha Remskar, the lead researcher from the University of Bath, in a media release.
Perhaps even more impressive than the immediate effects were the long-term benefits. In follow-up surveys conducted 30 days after the intervention ended, participants in the mindfulness group continued to report improved well-being, reduced depression symptoms, and better sleep quality compared to the control group.
The study also shed light on why mindfulness might be so effective.
“The research underscores how digital technology – in this case, a freely available app – can help people integrate behavioral and psychological techniques into their lives, in a way that suits them,” notes Dr. Ben Ainsworth from the University of Southampton.
Source : https://studyfinds.org/10-minute-app-mental-health/?nab=0