Effects of Mindfulness on Physiological Stress Reactivity
DYSFUNCTION
In addition to its psychological and cognitive effects, mindfulness has been found to have physiological effects that reduce stress. Regular mindfulness practice has been associated with decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate variability (HRV), and reduced cortisol levels [Elevated stress is widely regarded as healthy and functional when confronted with acute stressful situations, however permanent exposure to elevated stress—and in particular the failure to recover from stress—may lead to dysfunction of the underlying neurobiology [Research studies have found that engaging in mindfulness can increase HRV [