What Is Mindfulness? - Headspace
This is a mindfulness technique in which you “note” a particular thought or feeling when you become distracted during meditation. The practice of noting helps ...
changes our brains
Mindfulness meditation doesn’t only change our mindset and perspective, it actually can change the shape of our brains. Generalized neuroimaging meditation studies found that 8 weeks of mindfulness meditation also <anchor>changes our brains</anchor>, rewiring them towards more positive thoughts and emotions.
How does mindfulness meditation work? – Help Center
How does mindfulness meditation work? – Help Center

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2. [Our Approach to Care/Meditation](/hc/en-us/categories/19787384192155-Our-Approach-to-Care-Meditation)
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4. [FAQs about Meditation](/hc/en-us/sections/360000040148-FAQs-about-Meditation)

### Articles in this section

- [What are some proven ways I can work to make Headspace a routine in my life?](/hc/en-us/articles/360000217747-What-are-some-proven-ways-I-can-work-to-make-Headspace-a-routine-in-my-life)
- [How can I remember to be mindful throughout the day?](/hc/en-us/articles/215761507-How-can-I-remember-to-be-mindful-throughout-the-day)
- [How does mindfulness meditation work?](/hc/en-us/articles/360000211447-How-does-mindfulness-meditation-work)
- [How can I take this calm feeling with me for the rest of the day?](/hc/en-us/articles/215074698-How-can-I-take-this-calm-feeling-with-me-for-the-rest-of-the-day)
- [What are the scientific benefits of mindfulness meditation?](/hc/en-us/articles/360000221088-What-are-the-scientific-benefits-of-mindfulness-meditation)
- [Does it matter if I do shorter or longer sessions?](/hc/en-us/articles/215730577-Does-it-matter-if-I-do-shorter-or-longer-sessions)
- [According to the research, how long will it take to experience the benefits?](/hc/en-us/articles/360000211507-According-to-the-research-how-long-will-it-take-to-experience-the-benefits)
- [Can I listen to less guided sessions?](/hc/en-us/articles/215036408-Can-I-listen-to-less-guided-sessions)
- [Is there research on the impact of online meditation programs like Headspace?](/hc/en-us/articles/360000211527-Is-there-research-on-the-impact-of-online-meditation-programs-like-Headspace)
- [What are the techniques?](/hc/en-us/articles/115011850767-What-are-the-techniques)

[See more](/hc/en-us/sections/360000040148-FAQs-about-Meditation)

# How does mindfulness meditation work?

On the surface level, mindfulness meditation helps us think and act differently. Beneath the surface, there are many things happening with our brains that are driving these changes. Meditation enables us to move from higher frequency brain waves to lower frequency, which activates different centers in the brain. This means that you can access parts of the brain that help us think rationally, helps us not respond so quickly to bodily sensations and fears, and allows us to have more empathy and understand others. What this means in your day to day life

is that you are able to be more present and see yourself and everyone around you from a clearer perspective.

The other exciting fact is that a regular meditation practice can actually change the shape of your brain by strengthening important areas and decreasing others. Neuroimaging studies show that after 8 weeks of meditation, meditators have increased grey matter density in their brain. Why is this important? Grey matter is responsible for executive functioning, such as emotional regulation, planning and problem-solving. The cortical thickness of the brain also increases, which has an impact on our learning and memory processes. Finally, the “fight or flight” center of our brain, the amygdala, that is in charge of how we feel stress, fear, and anxiety actually shrinks with a mindfulness practice. All of this means that with a meditation practice you have the chance to rewire your brain towards more positive thoughts and experiences long-term.

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