Mindfulness may lower blood pressure in just 8 weeks
A review of 18 studies suggests that mindfulness, gratitude, and optimism training can improve cardiovascular health markers like blood pressure and inflammation. These interventions, often delivered via digital tools or group sessions, showed benefits within 8 to 12 weeks.
Why it matters
These findings highlight the potential for low-cost, non-pharmacological interventions to manage chronic health conditions like hypertension.
Simple practices such as mindfulness, gratitude journaling, and optimism training may improve several markers of cardiovascular health within a matter of weeks. A recent study found that these positive psychology interventions were consistently associated with improvements in blood pressure, inflammation, and other heart disease risk factors. Because some of the benefits appeared to be connected with healthier behaviors, including better eating habits and increased physical activity, the researchers said continued reinforcement may be necessary to maintain progress over time.
Rosalba (Rose) Hernandez, a professor of social work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, led the research team. The group reviewed results from 18 randomized controlled trials that tested positive psychology and mindfulness interventions designed to improve mental or physical health.
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