Mindfulness for Anxiety: Science Says It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All

HEALTH & WELLNESS

By Aniket Chakraborty May 22, 2025 Arrow

Researchers at WashU say different types of anxiety need different mindfulness tools.

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Some people ruminate mentally, while others feel anxiety physically—like chest tightness.

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Mindfulness works by improving cognitive control—the brain’s way of staying on track.

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When anxiety floods working memory, mindfulness helps clear the mental clutter.

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Focused attention meditation may help people who replay thoughts and worries constantly.

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Open monitoring—observing thoughts without reacting—may suit physical forms of anxiety.

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Neuroimaging shows mindfulness boosts the brain areas tied to focus and control.

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The Mindfulness Science & Practice cluster brings these tools to St. Louis communities.

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With options tailored to you, mindfulness becomes a powerful tool—not a trend.

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