The practice of mindfulness coupled with compassion has shown promising results in reducing symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety. Recent studies have delved into the effectiveness of single-session interventions (SSIs) incorporating mindfulness and compassion exercises in addressing various mental health challenges including loneliness.
A novel mindfulness-based SSI was conducted to assess its impact on reducing loneliness and associated mental health issues. Participants were divided into three groups: one practicing mindfulness, another engaging in both mindfulness and compassion exercises and a control group receiving no interventions.
After one week, both intervention groups exhibited a slight decrease in loneliness with the mindfulness with compassion group reporting notable reductions in stress, despair and anxiety compared to the waitlist group. However, there were no significant differences between the mindfulness-only and mindfulness with compassion groups after one or two weeks.
The study suggests that even a brief mindfulness intervention incorporating compassion exercises can lead to meaningful reductions in perceived stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms. While the effects observed were modest compared to longer interventions, the findings highlight the potential of SSIs in addressing mental health concerns.
Mindfulness and compassion sessions offer a promising avenue for individuals seeking relief from mental health challenges. As researchers continue to explore the efficacy of these interventions, incorporating mindfulness and compassion into daily routines may prove beneficial in promoting overall well-being and resilience in the face of adversity.
