A mindfulness-based mobile health intervention reduced anxiety more than a social-support-based mobile health intervention among young adult students in quarantine in China who had elevated anxiety or depressive symptoms. Both groups improved on depression, with no significant difference between them. The mindfulness program was also rated as more feasible and acceptable. Emotional suppression reduction helped explain the improvements. The study suggests that delivering mindfulness or social support via smartphone apps can help reduce distress during a pandemic, with mindfulness especially effective for anxiety.
A digitally delivered mindful-walking intervention for COVID-19 long haulers showed high feasibility and preliminary benefits. Twenty-three participants recruited from Facebook groups completed a four-week program with two mindfulness practice sessions per week. On days they engaged in mindful walking, participants reported more positive affect, less negative affect, higher perceived cognitive ability, and more physical activity. Those who practiced more consistently also reported higher momentary mindfulness. Participants expressed satisfaction and noted better symptom management and overall wellbeing. The small sample limits generalizability, and larger randomized trials are needed.