Answer this question to the best of your ability:
What are the underlying mechanisms of mindfulness meditation that contribute to its potential effects on anxiety and depression?
Mindfulness meditation has been found to impact several neural and psychological processes that are linked to anxiety and depression. First, it promotes greater awareness and acceptance of current thoughts and feelings without judgment. This can reduce the influence of negative thought patterns that often accompany these disorders. Second, it enhances the activity in the prefrontal cortex, which is associated with emotional regulation and decision-making. Third, it reduces the activity in the amygdala, a brain region implicated in fear responses and stress reactions. This combination of effects can lead to decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression over time.