The benefits of mindfulness in improving mental health and well-being

Pages: 427-430
Dipinti Singh, Aeshwarya Raj, and J.S. Tripathi (Department of Kayachikitsa, Faculty of Ayurveda, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh)

During the last few years, psychological construct mindfulness has drawn attention as a form of clinical intervention. This article first discusses the nature, definition, origin of mindfulness and also briefly review the self report mindfulness measures, mindfulness meditation and its clinical intervention in improving mental health. We conclude that mindfulness foster positive qualities such as psychological well-being, self compassion, reduce cognitive & emotional reactivity, psychological symptoms and improve over all mental health. Mindfulness meditation is used to improve cognitive function, resolve emotional exhaustion and reduce perceived stress. Mindfulness-oriented interventions effectively treat a range of mental problems such as anxiety, depression, drug dependency, borderline personality disorder. Suggestion are made for future studies in the field.