Boost Your Spirits and Immunity

Mindfulness meditation eases anxiety by 44% and reduces symptoms of depression by 34% while simultaneously jacking up immunity. In a study of stressed biotech employees, Richard Davidson, PhD, and his colleagues at the University of Wisconsin, along with Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, professor of medicine emeritus at the University of Massachusetts, found that those who completed an 8-week MBSR (mindfulness-based stress reduction) program had a significantly higher level of activity in the left prefrontal cortex (the brain region associated with a happy, calm state) than colleagues who received no training. At the end of the program, both groups were given flu vaccines, followed by blood tests. Results: The meditators produced significantly more antibodies than the non-meditators. TRY THIS TECHNIQUE: Mindful Walking (10 minutes) Pick a quiet place, such as your bedroom or living room, where you can walk slowly back and forth or in circles. Looking straight ahead, focus on one aspect of walking. For example, home in on your feet: Notice how one foot makes contact with the ground; your weight shifts; and the other foot lifts, moves forward, and finally makes contact. Continue to direct your attention toward your feet, and whenever your mind wanders, gently bring it back. Prevention, January 2009