A groundbreaking new study published in the British Journal of Health Psychology has revealed that just 10 minutes of daily mindfulness practice can have a profound impact on mental well-being. Conducted by researchers from the Universities of Bath and Southampton, the study utilized a free mobile app called Medito to deliver mindfulness training to participants around the world.

The study involved 1,247 adults from 91 countries who were randomly assigned to either a mindfulness intervention group or an active control group. The mindfulness group engaged in a daily 10-minute mindfulness practice using the Medito app, while the control group listened to audiobook excerpts. Participants completed assessments of their mental health, well-being, and health-related behaviors at three key points: before the intervention, immediately after the 30-day practice period, and two months later.

Remarkably, the study found that participants who practiced mindfulness daily experienced significant improvements in their mental health compared to those in the control group. They reported higher levels of psychological well-being, a reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety, better sleep quality, and increased motivation for health-promoting activities like exercise and healthy eating.

Study author Masha Remskar noted, “This study highlights that even short, daily practices of mindfulness can offer benefits, making it a simple yet powerful tool for enhancing mental health.” Co-author Ben Ainsworth added, “The research underscores how digital technology – in this case, a freely available app – can help people integrate behavioral and psychological techniques into their lives, in a way that suits them.”

The study’s findings suggest that mindfulness practice not only improves mental health but also supports the development of healthier lifestyle behaviors. The researchers hope that future studies will explore the specific effects of mindfulness on health behaviors and investigate the long-term impact of digital mindfulness interventions on mental health.

While the study has its limitations, such as self-reported measures of mental health and behavior and a high attrition rate, it opens up exciting possibilities for further research in the field of mindfulness and mental well-being. The researchers believe that these findings could have significant implications for public health strategies in the future.