Scientific studies have suggested that a mind that is present and in
the moment indicates well-being, whereas shifting our energy to the
past or future can lead to unhappiness. Now, a preliminary UCSF study
shows a link between mind wandering and aging, by looking at a
biological measure of longevity within our DNA.
In the study,
telomere length, an emerging biomarker for cellular and general
bodily aging, was assessed in association with the tendency to be
present in the moment versus the tendency to mind wander, in research
on 239 healthy, midlife women ranging in age from 50 to 65 years.
Being present in the moment was defined as an inclination to be
focused on current tasks, while mind wandering was defined as the
inclination to have thoughts about things other than the present or
being elsewhere.
Many practitioners of spiritual health tell us not to deny the problems we are facing, but to also not get lost in them either. Psychological sciences have shown us that being present brings us greater alertness and inner security, allowing us to face challenges more objectively and with greater calm.
Many practitioners of spiritual health tell us not to deny the problems we are facing, but to also not get lost in them either. Psychological sciences have shown us that being present brings us greater alertness and inner security, allowing us to face challenges more objectively and with greater calm.
According to the findings, published online in the new Association for Psychological Science journal Clinical Psychological Science,
those who reported more mind wandering had shorter telomeres, while
those who reported more presence in the moment, or having a greater
focus and engagement with their current activities, had longer
telomeres, even after adjusting for current stress.
To read more CLICK HERE.