The interest in mindfulness has been growing exponentially in recent years. Mindfulness training is being incorporated in several institutions, including hospitals and schools around the world. Overview of findings of sustained effects of mindfulness practices on physical and mental health and well-being are presented in the frame of behavioral and neuroscientific research. Brain imaging studies on adults reliably show that mindfulness meditation alters the structure and function of the brain while improving the quality of its cognitive and emotional functioning.
Next, diverse strategies and programs of mindfulness practices integrated into children and adults education are reviewed. Research findings show that mindfulness practices contribute to physical health, development of emotional and social learning, executive functions (attention, self-regulation, working memory), self-determination (inner motivation), resilience, and well-being.
Contrary to mindfulness practice, we are living in today's digital world addicted to technology, multitasking, and 24/7 connectivity etc., and losing physical touch with the world and ourselves. Such life leads to mindlessness and augments stress, and disturbs cognitive and socio-emotional functioning as proved by several brain studies.
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