How can mindfulness or mindfulness alleviate anxiety symptoms?

*This text has been written based on the information received from health institutions and organizations, hospitals and health professionals. Consult a doctor for better guidance on adopting a practice that may interfere with your health.

Practical awarenesspopularly known as awarenessIt has become a supportive, if not the main, treatment for anxiety symptoms and depression.

This awareness It has its roots in Buddhist meditation practices and was first used as a therapeutic tool in mid-1979 by Jon Kabat-Zinn, a professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, USA. He has developed a training course to reduce stress. about meditation practices.

What is the purpose of awareness?

Anxiety is a natural process of our body, but in some cases it becomes a pathology. Anxiety becomes a problem when we constantly worry about the future, anticipate situations that may not happen, or even ponder facts from the past.

In this field of endless preoccupations with the past or the future, we forget to live in the present, and here it is. awareness. Through breathing and focusing exercises and meditation, awareness It leads the individual to perceive the present and remain aware of his thoughts and feelings, without judging them as good or bad.

With this breath control technique and whether you focus on their body or their thoughts and feelings, people can better control themselves by being able to silence bad, repetitive thoughts or feelings of guilt. Taking control of yourself and your emotions results in a reduction in anxiety and greater ease in avoiding thoughts that could put you in an anxious state.

However, one is not expected to design the future or forget the past, but with practice. meditationConnect rationally with the present, process and identify the emotions evoked by everyday situations, and work with them to resolve them in the present.

This awarenessWhen practiced often enough, it can make people more aware of themselves and their bodies and improve attention, as well as promoting physical well-being and improving emotional regulation.

Does awareness have scientific support?

applications awareness It has different fronts of action and can focus on depression, anxiety, stress and is based on psychotherapeutic theories such as cognitive-behavioral among others. Studies on its effectiveness have shown a significant improvement in cases of anxiety and depression.

With results showing improved regulation of anxiety, sleep, mood, and emotions, as well as improved symptoms of depression, physical pain, and symptoms of psychosomatic diseases, awareness accepted in healthcare.

The practice of meditation in Brazil is part of the National Policy for Integrative and Complementary Practices (PNICS) introduced in the United Health System (SUS) since 2017.

But despite many benefits reports, awareness It is not yet a completely scientifically proven application. Although there are studies proving its efficacy, quantitative studies evaluating patients’ true potential for improvement throughout treatment and outcomes after intervention are still scarce.

Most studies are of a qualitative nature, based on bibliographic reviews or interviews with practitioners in general, and consequently focusing more on the positive aspects of the research. therapeutic technique.

Are there any contraindications for mindfulness?

Yes, there may be contraindications to its implementation and a healthy border. awareness. A study conducted by the University of Bangor, UK, reported that 25% of mindfulness practitioners experienced “adverse reactions” to the practice.

These reactions were caused by over-application. meditationand panic attacks, depression, as well as cases of dissociation and trouble sleeping.

For situations like this, there’s a non-profit organization called Cheetah House that helps people with bad experiences. awarenessor other types of meditation.

But if done right, awareness It provides various benefits and can be used as a tool to relieve stress and anxiety. And soon, more studies should be done so that we can be sure of its effectiveness and in what situations this practice is contraindicated.

If you want to start a meditative practice, look for a qualified and certified therapist to guide you. He will know how to specify the appropriate time and how each session should be done. With all due care, this app has many benefits to offer.