Scientists disagree on what mindfulness means. Here's why it matters for health and happiness

"On social media, television, and wellness apps, mindfulness is often shown as one simple thing-staying calm and paying attention to the moment. Large companies like Google use mindfulness programs to help employees stay focused and less stressed. Hospitals use it to help people manage pain and improve mental health. Millions of people now use mindfulness apps that promise everything from lowering stress to sleeping better."

"Because different researchers measure different things under the label "mindfulness," two studies can give very different pictures of what the practice actually does. For someone choosing a meditation app or program based on research findings, this matters. The study you're relying on may be testing a skill like attention, emotional calm, or self-kindness that isn't the one you're hoping to develop. This makes it harder to compare results and can leave people unsure about which approach will genuinely help them in daily life."

Mindfulness has become widely adopted across workplaces, schools, sports programs, the military, hospitals, and consumer apps, often depicted as staying calm and paying attention to the moment. Organizations use mindfulness to improve focus, reduce stress, manage pain, and support mental health. Scientists, clinicians, and educators do not agree on a single definition or measurement of mindfulness, and different researchers measure different skills under the same label. Divergent measures yield conflicting study results, complicating comparisons and leaving individuals unsure which program or app will develop the specific skills they seek. Mindfulness also has deep roots in Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and other Asian contemplative lineages.

Read at Fast Company