Summary
Study using HRV and eye-tracking found mindfulness breathing significantly reduced perceived stress and improved cognitive flexibility, but did not show immediate HRV improvements in a single session.
Methods
Controlled study with HRV and eye-tracking measurement before/after mindfulness
Key Findings
- Significant reduction in perceived stress after intervention
- Improved cognitive flexibility
- No immediate significant HRV change
- Attention and inhibitory control also unchanged acutely
Limitations
Single session, may need longer practice for HRV effects
What This Means for You
Mindfulness helps stress subjectively even when HRV doesn't budge immediately. Don't judge your meditation by same-day HRV changes— benefits to autonomic function likely require consistent long-term practice.
Source
Read the original paper in Scientific Reports ↗
Added to HRV Zone: 2025-01-07