Mindfulness & Meditation apps help reduce work stress and pro-inflammatory gene expression.

(Dutcher et al., 2022)

Chronic stress can negatively affect physical and mental health by activating the sympathetic nervous system (the “flight or fight” response) and proinflammatory gene expression. Practicing mindful meditation can help people manage stress and improve their mental and physical health.

Dutcher et al., 2022, a randomized controlled trial investigated the effect of a 30-day smartphone-based mindfulness meditation training program for stress management (delivered via the Headspace app), compared to a problem-solving control program (the Recharge app), on 100 stressed customer service employees.

Both mindfulness (Headspace) and problem-solving (Recharge) apps reduced perceived stress levels. Mindfulness meditation training app reduced pro-inflammatory gene expression. These results suggest mindfulness training may be a particularly effective method for improving immune cell gene expression in stressful work environments.

Reference:

Dutcher JM, Cole SW, Williams AC, Creswell JD. Smartphone mindfulness meditation training reduces Pro-inflammatory gene expression in stressed adults: A randomized controlled trial. Brain Behav Immun. 2022 Jul;103:171-177