Mindfulness and Social Anxiety
I read some exciting new research this week that I wanted to share with you.
Brain research has confirmed what us clinicians and teachers of mindfulness have known for a long time: when we learn and use mindfulness skills it helps control and decrease social anxiety.
Here’s how:
Researchers took a sample of 15 people who had “normal levels” of anxiety and had them complete four twenty minute classes on mindful mediation. They scanned their brains both before and after the series of classes, and found that activity in the area of the brain none to be active in thinking and emotions (anterior cingulate cortex) wet up and activity in the area known to be active in worrying (ventromedial prefrontal cortex) went down.
Further more, study participants reported an average of a 39% decrease in their levels of anxiety!
Now remember, this was just four classes, but still it’s great news.
Here’s a blog I have written recently about how mindfulness based cognitive therapy can help overcome social anxiety.
Mindfulness works, it’s that simple. And science is on our side.
All the best, Kyle
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