A mind full, or mindful?
The catastrophic flooding in Valencia is a stark reminder of the escalating climate crisis—and its toll on our collective psyche: climate anxiety. Global crises like these leave individuals overwhelmed and uncertain about how to respond. Younger generations, in particular, feel the weight of inheriting a planet in peril.
Shocking data
Eco-anxiety dooms weight on young people
“Climate change poses serious risks to mental health and
well-being.”
WHO, 2022
policy brief
Why that really is a problem
From climate anxiety to trauma caused by extreme weather events, these psychological impacts ripple through communities, undermining their ability to organize, act, and respond effectively to crises.
Fear, anger, and depression are natural responses,
but rather counterproductive.
Anxiety immobilizes, anger fuels division, and depression breeds apathy, weakening society’s capacity to act. Addressing mental health in this context isn’t a distraction; it’s essential for resilience and collective action.
It’s not all
in your mind!
Scientific studies have repeatedly demonstrated the tangible benefits of mindfulness on both physical and mental health, presenting mindfulness as a practical, secular tool for managing stress and emotions.
Physical effects
Reduced
Cortisol Levels
Mindfulness practices lower cortisol, the stress hormone, which helps decrease physical symptoms of anxiety and depression, such as fatigue and tension.
Psychoneuroendocrinology, 2013
Improved
Heart Rate
Mindfulness enhances HRV, a marker of the body’s ability to adapt to stress, improving overall emotional regulation.
Frontiers in Psychology, 2018
Decreased
Inflammation
Regular mindfulness practice reduces markers of inflammation linked to stress and depression, like C-reactive protein.
Biological Psychiatry, 2016
Mental effects
Reduced
Rumination
Mindfulness decreases repetitive negative thinking patterns common in anxiety and depression, allowing for greater mental clarity.
Cognitive Therapy and Research, 2007
Emotional
Regulation
Mindfulness strengthens areas of the brain, such as the prefrontal cortex, responsible for managing emotions like anger.
NeuroImage, 2011
Improved
Resilience
Mindfulness builds resilience, helping individuals recover more effectively from stressful events or emotional setbacks.
American Journal of Psychiatry, 2014
Sitting in silence with incense and crystals?
3 myths about mindfulness
you need to forget
one
Escapism
Mindfulness offers an unexpected but effective approach. Often dismissed as escapism, mindfulness isn’t about denial but clarity. As Viktor Frankl famously said: “Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space lies our power to choose.” Mindfulness helps us access that space, managing emotions and creating room for thoughtful action.
two
Self-centeredness
Far from being self-centered, mindfulness has proven social impact. Research from the American Psychological Association shows it reduces stress while enhancing empathy and cooperation—qualities essential for collective problem-solving. It fosters a grounded mindset that enables pragmatic responses to crises, whether global or personal.
three
Ignorance
Accepting the reality of crises without being consumed by them isn’t ignorance; it’s resilience. Mindfulness equips us to face challenges with clarity and purpose, proving that a calm mind is a powerful ally in a world that desperately needs thoughtful action.
Shall we?
Mindfulness for Skeptics: Small Steps, Big Zen
Playing our part
From finding the power to act
to enacting power
The flooding in Valencia deeply affected all of us—our team, our friends, and our colleagues. That’s why, this Christmas, we’re making a donation to Aldeas Infantiles SOS España, an organization that not only provides financial aid but also offers psychological support to those impacted. By supporting their work, we hope to help rebuild not just homes, but also pathways to healing.