Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, May 18: A recent study reveals that mindfulness can effectively reduce anxiety by enhancing a key mental function known as cognitive control. The findings come from researchers at Washington University in St. Louis, who are exploring how mindfulness techniques can be fine-tuned to suit different types of anxiety.
“Mindfulness — the act of paying attention to the present moment without judgment — has long been known to help ease anxiety and sharpen focus,” said Resh Gupta, a postdoctoral research associate with the university’s Mindfulness Science and Practice research cluster. “But anxiety is complex. It manifests differently from person to person, so a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work.”
Published in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, the paper proposes a new framework that could help clinicians match specific mindfulness techniques to different anxiety profiles, allowing for more targeted and effective treatments.
Co-author Todd Braver, a professor of psychological and brain sciences, emphasized the need for scientific clarity. “We know these practices can enhance psychological well-being, but understanding the exact mechanisms — the how and why — is where research becomes vital,” he said.
The researchers suggest that people who experience high physical symptoms of anxiety — such as a racing heart, sweating, or chest tightness — may benefit more from "open monitoring" mindfulness. This form of meditation encourages individuals to calmly observe their thoughts, sensations, and surroundings without judgment or attachment, rather than focusing narrowly on a single object like the breath.
“This helps individuals become less reactive and more accepting of whatever they’re experiencing, which can reduce the intensity of anxious responses,” Gupta explained.
The team hopes their work will contribute to a broader understanding and appreciation of the diverse methods that fall under the mindfulness umbrella — ultimately leading to more personalized and effective mental health strategies.