Introduction:

Welcome to our special Sense Check Lab podcast episode on meditation. In a world where mindfulness is everywhere—from apps to corporate workshops—we’re asking: Is meditation truly a life-changing practice, or is it just another overhyped wellness trend? We break down the real scientific evidence, separate fact from fiction, and give you practical advice on what meditation can (and can’t) do for your well-being.

Disclaimer:This podcast provides general information based on peer-reviewed scientific research and expert opinion. It is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. If you are experiencing significant mental health challenges or considering changes to your treatment plan, always consult with a qualified healthcare provider. Meditation can have benefits, but it may not be suitable for everyone, and adverse effects are possible for a minority of individuals.

Reference List:

1. Goyal et al., "Meditation programs for psychological stress and well-being" (Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis)

2. Chen et al., "Meditative Therapies for Reducing Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis"

3. Khoury et al., "Mindfulness-based stress reduction for healthy individuals: A meta-analysis"

4. Yılmazer et al., "Effects of mindfulness on test anxiety: a meta-analysis"

5. Neural Mechanisms of Improved Emotion Regulation Following Mindfulness Training: an fMRI Study

6. Meditation for subjective cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

7. Zeidan et al., "Mindfulness Meditation-Based Pain Relief Employs Different Neural Mechanisms Than Placebo and Sham Mindfulness Meditation"

8. Farias et al., "Adverse events in meditation practices and meditation-based therapies: a systematic review"