Mindfulness: What is it and why it's gaining attention

Mindfulness: What It Is and Why It’s Gaining Attention

Mindfulness is a term that appears frequently in conversations about mental health and wellbeing. If you type mindfulness into Google, you will discover heaps of articles, apps, practices and more on the topic. Mindfulness originates from contemplative traditions, such as Buddhism. Over the past few decades, mindfulness has also become an area of growing interest in psychological research, together with a number of psychological interventions integrating the practice. Today, it is often discussed as a way of developing greater awareness of thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations.

Below, we will look at mindfulness from a psychological perspective and explore what research suggests about its potential role in wellbeing.

What Is Mindfulness?

In psychology, mindfulness is commonly described as paying attention to present-moment experience with openness and without immediate judgment. This includes noticing:

• Thoughts as they arise

• Emotions and mood shifts

• Physical sensations in the body

• Sensory experiences such as sounds or sights

The focus is not on changing what is happening, but on becoming more aware of it.

How the Mind Typically Works

Much of the time, our attention is pulled toward:

• The past (replaying conversations, regrets, or memories)

• The future (planning, worrying, imagining outcomes)

This mental time travel is a normal function of the brain. However, research suggests that when attention is frequently caught in unhelpful rumination or worry, it can contribute to emotional distress.

Mindfulness practice is designed to help people notice when the mind has wandered and gently return attention to the present moment.

Mindfulness in Psychological Research

Mindfulness has been incorporated into several structured, evidence-informed programs, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-informed cognitive therapies. These approaches are studied for their potential impact on stress, mood, and emotional regulation.

Research in this area suggests mindfulness skills may be associated with:

• Greater awareness of emotional states

• Reduced automatic reactivity to thoughts and feelings

• Improved attention and concentration

• Increased ability to pause before responding

It is important to note that outcomes vary between individuals, and mindfulness is typically used as one component of broader wellbeing or therapeutic approaches rather than as a standalone solution.

What Mindfulness Practice Can Involve

Mindfulness can be practised in many ways. In research and clinical settings, it is often introduced gradually and in structured formats. Common examples include:

Focused Attention Practices

Paying attention to a single anchor, such as the sensation of breathing, and noticing when the mind wanders.

Body Awareness Practices

Bringing attention to physical sensations in different parts of the body, often referred to as a “body scan.”

Mindful Movement

Engaging in gentle movement, such as stretching or walking, while paying close attention to bodily sensations.

Everyday Mindfulness

Bringing full attention to daily activities, such as eating, showering, or washing dishes.

A key part of mindfulness is recognising that the mind will wander. Noticing this and gently returning attention is considered part of the practice, rather than a mistake.

Common Misunderstandings

“Mindfulness means relaxing.”While some people report feeling calmer, the primary aim is awareness. At times, mindfulness may involve noticing uncomfortable thoughts or emotions.

“You have to stop thinking.”Mindfulness does not require clearing the mind. Instead, it involves noticing thoughts as mental events rather than getting caught up in them.

“It takes a lot of time.”Research-based programs often begin with brief, regular periods of practice. Informal moments of awareness during daily activities can also be part of learning mindfulness skills.

Mindfulness and Wellbeing

Mindfulness is often discussed as a way of supporting overall wellbeing by encouraging a different relationship with internal experiences. Rather than automatically avoiding discomfort or getting entangled in worry, mindfulness emphasises noticing what is happening with curiosity and patience.

For some people, this shift in perspective may support greater emotional flexibility and self-awareness. However, mindfulness is not a universal or quick fix, and experiences can differ widely.

When Additional Support May Be Helpful

For individuals experiencing significant distress, persistent anxiety or low mood, or difficulty managing daily life, mindfulness alone may not be sufficient. In these situations, support from a registered health professional such as a psychologist or GP can help clarify what approaches are most appropriate.

Mindfulness-based strategies are sometimes included as part of psychological therapy, depending on a person’s goals, preferences, and circumstances.

A Simple Way to Understand Mindfulness

At its core, mindfulness is about noticing what is happening, as it is happening. This might be as simple as becoming aware of the sensation of your feet on the floor, the rhythm of your breathing, or the sounds around you for a brief moment.

These small moments of awareness can be a starting point for learning how attention works and how we relate to our internal experiences.

Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalised psychological or medical advice. If you have concerns about your mental health, please seek support from a qualified health professional.