Beneficial effects of a program of Mindfulness by remote during COVID-19 lockdown

S. Borghi, A. Nisticò, G. Marano, L. Janiri, G. Sani, M. Mazza

Department of Geriatrics, Neuroscience and Orthopedics, Institute of Psychiatry and Psychology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy. marianna.mazza@policlinicogemelli.it

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• Infectious Diseases
• Psychology

OBJECTIVE: In the emergency context of COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, mindfulness relaxation techniques can provide a safe and effective strategy to obtain in a reasonably short time some degree of relief from suffering and to guarantee a greater confidence with emotional reactions in the general population.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program for coping with COVID-19 emergency was designed as an 8-week program during the early phase of lockdown consisting in practice meditation exercises at least once a day guided and structured by certified instructors entered on a free online platform. At the end of the program all participants completed a survey.

RESULTS: A total of 108 surveys were completed (67.6% male; 32.4% female). Despite the difficult moment of lockdown and the fear linked to the pandemic, 61.9% of interviewed subjects declared a state of general well-being from fair to good linked to the practice of mindfulness. Female subjects (p=0.001), married subjects (p=0.05) and people taking pharmacologic therapy demonstrated (p=0.009) significant improvement in daily management of emotions and practical requests during the early phase of the COVID-19 outbreak.

CONCLUSIONS: Mindfulness meditation may be effective in helping people to regulate emotions and to support their mental health during this period of worry and uncertainty.

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