Mindfulness-Based Programs Improve Psychological Flexibility, Mental Health, Well-Being, and Time Management in Academics

Abstract

(1) Background: Occupational stress is high in academia, and is partly related to time pressure. Mindfulness-based programs are known to be effective in reducing stress and increasing well-being. Recent work suggested that these programs may also improve time management. This study tested the effects of a mindfulness-based program on academics’ psychological flexibility, mental health, well-being, and time management. (2) Methods: The study was conducted in a French research department. Participants were offered to join a mindfulness-based program (n = 21) or to be on a wait-list control group (n = 22). Self-reported measures of psychological flexibility, mental health (stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms), well-being, and time use were collected before and after the eight week program. (3) Results: Results showed that psychological flexibility, mental health, well-being, and efficient time use significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control condition. (4) Conclusions: The results suggested that the mindfulness-based programs were effective in improving adaptive functioning, well-being, and optimal time use in academia, thus underlining potential useful perspectives to help academics improve mental health and time management.

A randomized controlled trial of a mindfulness-based intervention in social workers working during the COVID-19 crisis

“…Findings in this study that the brief mindfulness intervention improved psychological flexibility and self-compassion are broadly consistent with the result of earlier studies (e.g. Marais et al 2020 ; Wasson et al 2020 ; Weis et al 2021 ). In the study by Marais et al ( 2020 ), the authors reported that a standard eight-week mindfulness-based intervention improved psychological flexibility among the participants.…”

“…Regarding the effects of mindfulness interventions on psychological flexibility and self-compassion, the current study’s findings, as well as the results of previous research (Marais et al 2020 ; Wasson et al 2020 ; Weis et al 2021 ), are important given that promoting such skills is crucial for psychological health and well-being (Marshall and Brockman 2016 ). It becomes even more critical considering the harsh condition of working in a crisis such as the Covid-19 pandemic.…”

“…Psychological flexibility has been defined as an individual’s ability to embrace and contact the present moment, tolerate difficult thoughts and emotions without unnecessary defense or avoidance, and act following chosen values (Hayes et al 2006 ). The research supported that mindfulness practices can cultivate self-compassion and psychological flexibility (Marais et al 2020 ; Wasson et al 2020 ). Therefore, improving the levels of these two skills can mitigate the hardships that social workers are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in better mental health.…”

“…Marais et al 2020 ; Wasson et al 2020 ; Weis et al 2021 ). In the study by Marais et al ( 2020 ), the authors reported that a standard eight-week mindfulness-based intervention improved psychological flexibility among the participants. In a study on a brief version of mindfulness intervention implementing during the Covid-19 pandemic, Weis et al ( 2021 ) found their participants (college students) reported better self-compassion and mental health after the program.…”

Combined Ketogenic Diet and Walking Exercise Interventions in Community Older Groups

“…Based on this study regimen it is reasonable to suggest that at least 90 days of exercise training is necessary to stimulate improvements in the elderly endothelial function[61]. A daily brisk walking exercise intervention for 120 days was associated with significantly improved arterial compliance in the older community groups[62]. Regular exercise intervention training is independent of baseline compliance body composition and oxygen capacity[63].…”