Answer this question to the best of your ability:
What are some common approaches for studying the neural mechanisms underlying stress reduction through mindfulness and meditation?
To understand the neural mechanisms behind stress reduction through mindfulness and meditation, researchers often employ a combination of self-reported measures of stress and anxiety levels, physiological measures such as heart rate variability (HRV), and neuroimaging techniques like fMRI and EEG. By comparing these data before and after mindfulness and meditation interventions, scientists can gain insights into how these practices may influence the brain's response to stress and help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and stress-related disorders.