Mindfulness and meditation

This video explores the benefits of mindfulness and meditation on well-being, highlighting their positive effects on cognitive function, emotional stability, and physical health. It underscores the role of mindfulness in improving cellular health and brain structure, particularly the prefrontal cortex, through accessible techniques that enhance present-moment awareness. Additionally, it touches on the cognitive and physical benefits, including better stress management and immunity. Tai Chi is presented as an example of integrating physical movement with mindfulness, emphasizing the holistic impact of these practices on overall health. The video encourages incorporating mindfulness into daily life to foster comprehensive well-being improvements.




Further Resources

Hölzel, B. K., Carmody, J., Vangel, M., Congleton, C., Yerramsetti, S. M., Gard, T., & Lazar, S. W. (2011). Mindfulness practice leads to increases in regional brain gray matter density. Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, 191(1), 36–43

Lavretsky, H., Siddarth, P., Nazarian, N., St. Cyr, N., Khalsa, D. S., Lin, J., Blackburn, E., Epel, E. S., & Irwin, M. R. (2012). A pilot study of yogic meditation for family dementia caregivers with depressive symptoms: Effects on mental health, cognition, and telomerase activity. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 28(1), 57–65

Lazar, S. W., Kerr, C. E., Wasserman, R. H., Gray, J. R., Greve, D. N., Treadway, M. T., McGarvey, M., Quinn, B. T., Dusek, J. A., Benson, H., Rauch, S. L., Moore, C. I., & Fischl, B. (2005). Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness. Neuroreport, 16(17), 1893–1897

Huston, P., & McFarlane, B. (2016). Health benefits of tai chi: What is the evidence? Canadian Family Physician, 62(11), 881-890. PMID: 28661865

Tai Chi Oz online https://taichioz.blogspot.com/

Can meditation change brain structure? 
https://nwcreations.com/ted-talk-thursday-meditation-can-reshape-brains-sara-lazar-tedxcambridge-2011/

About Professor Kay Wilhmelm

Kay Wilhelm is Professor of Psychiatry at University of Notre Dame Sydney, Conjoint Professor in Psychiatry and Mental Health UNSW and Emeritus Consultant Psychiatrist at St Vincent’s Hospital. She was a Member of NSW Medical Council for 14 years and Chair of Doctor’s Health Program for 12 and now part of the Hearing Member Panel for the NSW Medical Council. She is Chair, HETI Higher Education Governing Council and a member of the Central and Eastern Sydney LDH Advisory Group of Suicide Prevention and Mental Health.

Kay has previously been a consultant and researcher in the Mood Disorders Unit at Prince Henry Hospital, which developed into the Black Dog Institute. Following that, she worked at St Vincent’s Hospital in Liaison Psychiatry, with particular interest in transplant psychiatry, diabetes and suicidal presentations. She has carried out a seminal 30-year longitudinal study looking at gender differences of wellbeing (The Sydney Teachers’ Study). She has been awarded Founders’ Medal, from Australasian Society of Psychiatric Research; the RANZCP College Citation and NSW Branch’s Meritorious Service Award and is a Member of the Order of Australia, in recognition of services in depression management, suicide prevention, doctors’ health, professional education and service to the profession.