The Neuroscience of Mindfulness

Can we train our brains to improve our mental and physical health? The concept of changing the body through mindfulness is not a new one. Meditative Yoga has been practiced in India for centuries with the aims of rejuvenating the body and increasing life-span. More recently, research into mindfulness, which uses meditation and other training to increase moment-to-moment awareness, suggests that it may be beneficial for a wide range of medical issues from depression and anxiety to PTSD and pain management related to acute and chronic illness. Moreover, mindful practice has been widely touted to improve productivity and reduce stress. Could mindfulness and meditation help us cope with elevated stress levels during these uncertain times? This panel will bring together neuroscientists, psychologists and mindfulness experts to discuss the science behind mindfulness and meditation, and the potential associated health benefits.