A 3-month randomized trial with 100 healthy adults aged 18-24 found that practicing Heartfulness meditation significantly reduced cortisol levels and anxiety, while increasing well-being and mindfulness as measured by standard questionnaires. Perceived stress decreased but not significantly. Telomere length correlated negatively with cortisol and positively with well-being, suggesting meditation may slow cellular aging. The authors conclude Heartfulness meditation can improve mental health and affect telomere length, though larger studies are needed to confirm.
A randomized controlled trial with a crossover design found that 30 days of guided Heartfulness meditation significantly increased oxytocin and β-endorphin levels while decreasing cortisol, indicating modulation of stress-related neuroendocrine markers. Participants also reported greater meditation depth, increased positive affect, and reduced negative affect. After the crossover, the control group showed similar improvements. Negative correlations were observed between cortisol and both oxytocin and β-endorphins. Heartfulness meditation appears to be a promising non-pharmacological intervention for improving mental health and stress resilience by enhancing happy hormones and reducing cortisol.