Does Mindfulness Actually Reduce Stress?

An author and cardiologist with decades of experience, John M. Kennedy, MD, is the medical director at Kindred Health Systems in Los Angeles, California. John M. Kennedy, MD is also the founder of Encardia Wellness, an app-based service that helps businesses effectively manage workplace stress among their employees.

Mindfulness-based techniques like observational breathing and meditation aren’t just a passing fad in stress management. Research suggests that these practices have demonstrable positive effects on stress levels and other areas of a person’s life. Some of the benefits of mindfulness are a greater ability to empathize with others as well as an improved capacity for self-compassion.

Research trials have shown that mindfulness techniques are on par with other relaxation methods in terms of reducing stress. In addition to facilitating the growth of empathy and compassion, mindfulness techniques can also help people develop strong comping mechanisms. This will allow them to better handle stressful situations as they arise and/or manage chronic mental health conditions they may be experiencing.