Meditation and mindfulness seem to have become more popular recently, though these practices have been around for thousands of years. Meditation is often described as a method to induce an altered state of focused attention and raised awareness. The benefits from meditation range from reducing stress and anxiety to improving memory and concentration. A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Health Psychology found that short, guided mindfulness meditations using a smartphone app were effective in reducing physical and psychological symptoms related to work stress and well-being (Bostock, Crosswell, Prather, and Steptoe, 2018). Many researchers are interested in why we have such positive effects from meditation, as well as what is happening in our brains and bodies when we meditate. As you begin this activity, reflect on your own beliefs about meditation.