Mindfulness, traditionally an oriental practice, has been gaining popularity in the West through different spiritual and secular movements. Science shows us that mindfulness meditation can positively influence our physical, psychological and cognitive functioning.
Empirical evidence continues to support the claim that the practice of mindfulness or mindfulness has a positive impact on the brain and body. For example, studies have shown that regular meditation practice can cause changes in the gray matter of our brain and also in other structures of our brain. This has to do with neural plasticity of our brain.
A study by Harvard-affiliated researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital showed that after 8 weeks of meditation practice, gray matter density increased in the left hippocampus of novice meditators. This region of our brain has associated with learning and memory. Additionally, areas associated with compassion, self-awareness, and introspection increased, while areas of the brain related to stress decreased in size..
Other studies also showed that meditation can help with many physical symptoms, including high blood pressure and chronic pain, and can stimulate our immune system, as well as contribute to our psychological well-being.
Understanding of the neural mechanisms of meditation is increasing, and science can now be used to promote meditation in a novel way. The large body of scientific evidence that validates mindfulness is helping to spread the practice.
Dan Harris described his experience with mindfulness meditation in the book 10% Happier (10 percent happy), a New York Times bestseller. In the book, Dan argues that 5-10 minutes of mindfulness practice a day may be enough to start observing changes in the way you function and live. His book has now been turned into an online course. Offering daily lessons and guided meditation, helping people to be more present and focused.
The 10% Happier course is available online and on iOS devices, as well as the podcast and the app, which is excellent, as is the Betway app for sports betting. The methods of the Happier 10% team can be summed up in a question they use to approach their potential subscribers: "Interested in meditation, but allergic to woo-woo?"
In other words, the happiest 10% team developed an easy and accessible way to teach people to meditate through technology. In fact, 10% Happier or 10% happier app won recognition as the best meditation app of the year 2018
What sets the happiest 10% apart from their competitors is that their entire online program and approach uses everyday language that most people can understand. Course Features Dan Harris and Renowned Meditation Teacher Joseph Goldstein, who is also a co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society.
Service users have access, through the app or online course, to daily video lessons and guided audio meditations. They can also ask a personal meditation trainer questions, which is a particularly popular feature of the program. The first seven lessons and meditations can be tried for free, and then the services are available through a subscription. The company plans to add more mindfulness or mindfulness courses in the future and eventually offer a complete library solution with different mindfulness teaching materials..
Other popular mindfulness websites and mobile apps include Headspace, which has more than 5 million users, and Buddhify. Unlike other apps that require you to sit still, Buddhify can be used on the go. This is an urban meditation app with many meditation options, including meditations for when you walk, move, or of course you are idle..
Smartphone apps make mindfulness training more accessible.
Among the most recommended and used apps are also:
Insight Timer, which has over 9,000 free guided meditations, hints, and talks, some just one minute long. You can also meditate with a timer and get credit for meditating daily.
Breethe, which is another app with free meditations to use throughout the day. Meditations can be used to set your intention in the morning, release stress during the day, feel happier, or relax before falling asleep..
Smiling mind offers programs to learn about mindfulness meditation in a more structured way. It can accommodate adults and children ages 7 and up, making it a great app to choose from when you want the whole family to get involved..
Since online applications do not necessarily rely on a facilitator, they are often seen as a more profitable and flexible option that is more available to a wider population. Additionally, these programs are offered outside of a group setting and do not require a trip..
Considering the positive side of mindfulness-based therapies through technology platforms, it is not surprising that these programs are becoming increasingly popular in mental health. Research studies on the effectiveness and quality of such methods have provided further support..
For example, they have been reported reductions in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress with the use of these apps, as long as the course has been designed with integrity. More research on mindfulness interventions without direct facilitation is expected in the near future..
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