A mind full, or mindful?

Graphically arranged text saying

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

  • 59% of young people
    are Very or extremely
    worried     about climate
    change ...

  • ... with 45%
    saying it disrupts
    their daily
    lives.

  • Extreme weather
    events increase anxiety
    and depression
    by up to 40%

  • Survivors
    of climate disasters
    report PTSD rates
    of up to 90%.

Eco-anxiety dooms weight on young people

India: I think humanity is doomed USA: People ask, 'What will you be when you grow up?' Now, we must ask, 'What will you do if you grow up?' UK: I am hesitant to have children

“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.

How can we face crisis without despair? The case for mindfulness
20% increase in empathy and compassion after an 8-week training program on mindfulness. [Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 2020]
58% of employees in workplace mindfulness programs report reduced interpersonal conflicts and better collaboration. [Frontiers in Psychology, 2021]
25% reduction in bullying in schools with mindfulness programs, fostering cooperation among students. [Mindfulness, 2018]
30% decrease in burnout rates for healthcare professionals practicing mindfulness, improving patient care quality. [Karolinska Institute, Sweden]

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

The Chocolate Pause: Step 1 — Grab a piece of chocolate (yes, this is homework). Step 2 — Before devouring it like a starved raccoon, pause. Look at it, admire it, and pretend you’re hosting a chocolate documentary. Step 3 — Smell it. Seriously, inhale like you’re at a fancy wine tasting.
Step 4 — Let it melt in your mouth, and focus on every glorious second. No chewing allowed. Mindful outcome. You just turned a snack into a meditative moment. Well done, chocolate yogi.
The 5-Second Stare. Step 1 — Look up from your phone. Yep, that’s step one. Step 2 —Find something mildly interesting—a plant, a lamp, or even your coffee mug.Step 3 — Stare at it for 5 seconds like it’s the most fascinating thing you’ve ever seen. Notice the details: colors, textures, or maybe dust you forgot to clean. Step 1 — Look up from your phone. Yep, that’s step one. Step 2 —Find something mildly interesting—a plant, a lamp, or even your coffee mug.Step 3 — Stare at it for 5 seconds like it’s the most fascinating thing you’ve ever seen. Notice the details: colors, textures, or maybe dust you forgot to clean. You just gave your brain a micro vacation from the chaos. Also, maybe it’s time to dust.
The Breathing Disco. Step 1 — Sit down, unless you’re feeling wild—then stand. Step 2 —Take a deep breath in for 4 counts, hold it for 4 counts, and exhale for 4 counts. Repeat.Step 3 — Now, imagine your breath is doing a slow dance. Inhale: “It’s groovy.” Exhale: “I’m cool.” Keep going until your brain joins the disco. Mindful outcome. You just turned breathing into a party. Anxiety can’t handle your moves.

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.

Sources

  1. The Lancet Planetary Health
  2. World Health Organization (WHO)
  3. American Psychological Association (APA)
  4. Frontiers in Psychology
  5. Psychoneuroendocrinology Journal
  6. BMJ Open
  7. Cognitive Therapy and Research Journal

Other case studies