Live in the moment is more than a catchy phrase—it is the core of mindfulness, a practice with growing scientific support for improving mental and emotional well-being. Many experts say living in the moment means cultivating attention on what’s happening now, rather than letting our minds drift to worries about the future or regrets about the past. According to the American Psychological Association, mindfulness-based practices—like focusing on breath or sensations—can reduce rumination, alleviate anxiety and depression, and boost working memory and concentration.

A new study from the Universities of Southampton and Bath, published in August 2024, found that just ten minutes a day of mindfulness can significantly reduce depression, improve well-being, lower anxiety, and motivate healthier lifestyle choices. Their large-scale app-based trial showed that most participants with no prior meditation experience experienced measurable mental health gains, simply by setting aside a short, consistent daily window for present-moment awareness.

Listeners, we know it’s tough to stay present in today’s fast-paced, digital world. Notifications, social media, and endless to-do lists constantly tug at our attention. Dr. Judson Brewer, a neuroscientist and mindfulness researcher, recently spoke about how even small, accessible tools—like short guided meditations in an app—can help us notice our habits, pause automatic reactions, and find a pocket of calm amidst chaos.

To put this into practice, I invite you to pause for a quick guided check-in. Close your eyes, feel your feet on the floor, and notice your breath moving in and out. When thoughts or distractions pop up, see if you can observe them without judgment, letting them float by before gently returning your attention to the sensation of breathing. This simple exercise, practiced regularly, is shown in both the laboratory and real life to create actual changes in brain regions linked to attention and emotional regulation, according to neuroscientists at Harvard and elsewhere.

Many top experts, from Dan Harris to Dr. Shauna Shapiro, agree: mindfulness makes us more resilient, less reactive, and more capable of enjoying the good things in life as they happen. Of course, no one can be present every moment, and there will always be challenges. But returning to the moment—even for just a breath or two—can make a real difference, especially in overwhelming or stressful times.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI