The effectiveness of the Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction and similar programmes, and the benefits of mindfulness more generally, has been shown in an extensive body of scientific research built up over the past 40 years. Benefits are indicated for a wide range of health conditions, and because of this research, mindfulness is now increasingly being used in mainstream settings, such as the National Health Service, schools and business.
Mindfulness has been shown to be helpful for working with conditions such as:
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Substance Abuse
- High Blood pressure
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Eating Disorders
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Chronic Pain
- Cognitive and Cellular Decline due to Ageing
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Fibromyalgia
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Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- HIV
- Heart Disease
- Insomnia
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
It has also been found helpful for:
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Improving attention skills and cognitive performance
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Stress management
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Developing compassion and empathy
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Self-confidence and life satisfaction
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Improved immune system functioning
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Managing thoughts, emotions and behaviour
- Reduced mind wandering
- Increased creativity and productivity
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Functioning in relationships
For a general overview of the evidence, please see The Science of Mindfulness (Mindful Magazine)
Praissman (2008) Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: A literature Review and Clinician's Guide Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (20) 212-216