Answer this question to the best of your ability:
What is the neuroscientific basis for mindfulness's stress reduction effects?
Mindfulness practice can reduce stress by impacting the brain's response to stress hormones like cortisol. Regular mindfulness meditation has been observed to decrease basal cortisol levels, which may result in lower stress responsivity. Furthermore, mindfulness can increase activity in the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and decreasing sympathetic arousal – the "fight or flight" response associated with stress. This balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems is crucial for maintaining overall physiological well-being.