Seven minutes of meditation boosts sustainable decision-making

Meditation may help people make better choices for the environment. A practice as brief as seven minutes daily can influence how individuals think about sustainability. The rise in anxiety about climate change, known as eco-anxiety, is a growing concern. This stress can affect decision-making negatively. To address this, a new app called Miracle of Mind, developed by the Isha Foundation, offers guided meditations aimed at improving mental well-being and promoting sustainable thinking. Launched recently, the app quickly gained over one million downloads. Meditation isn’t just about relaxation. Spiritual leader Sadhguru believes it changes how people interact with the world. He explains that stepping back from one's thoughts and feelings can lead to clarity and reduce suffering. Studies show that regular meditation can make the brain more resilient and happier. However, personal meditation practices alone won’t solve the problem. Experts like Dr. Shobha Puttaswamaiah emphasize the need for government policies that promote mental health, especially regarding social media impacts. Eco-anxiety can also have serious economic effects, with the U.S. spending $477 billion a year on mental health services. When people feel anxious, they might make poor choices for both themselves and society, according to Sadhguru. Clear thinking allows for better, more responsible choices. Meditation can enhance critical thinking and reduce emotional reactions, aiding sustainable decision-making. The UK, for example, has already seen positive results from mindfulness programs in schools, showing that such practices can help students manage stress and engage with environmental issues better. Additionally, meditation may bolster resistance to misinformation, a growing barrier to climate action. While individual practices are useful, systemic changes are necessary. Experts urge businesses and governments to include mental health in their sustainability strategies. Some companies in Europe are already beginning to incorporate mindfulness into employee wellness programs and see improvements in productivity. The Miracle of Mind app is partnering with businesses to offer incentives for regular meditation practice. This could extend to encouraging consumer habits that support sustainability. As eco-anxiety grows, the demand for psychological resilience becomes more critical. Ultimately, meditation could help society make clearer and smarter decisions regarding climate issues. The challenge is to recognize its value and integrate it into our daily lives and policies. In uncertain times, even a small commitment to mindfulness may lead to significant benefits for our mental health and the planet.