Mindfulness Meditation for Cognition and Mood

A standardized and structured program based on Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and has been piloted in our laboratory.Each session included 1) discussion on stress, relaxation, meditation, and mind-body interaction, 2) instruction and practice in formal and informal MM, and 3) enquiry about problem-solving techniques regarding success and difficulty in practicing mindfulness. Formal meditation instruction included a mindful Body Scan and Sitting Meditation (awareness of breath, body sensations, cognitive and emotional processes). Informal practice of mindful daily activities (e.g., washing dishes) was also taught to generalize mindfulness beyond the formal meditations. A 3-minute meditation was offered as a quick coping strategy, and it could be practiced with or without a guided recording.

The Education control was matched for session time and home practice. The internet sessions included a general health video and questions about the material. For home practice, the participants listened to podcasts about the same topic. The session topics were 1) Healthy Eating, 2) Healthy Exercise, 3) Healthy Sleep, 4) Healthy Brain, 5) Healthy Mood, and 6) Community Involvement.