MINDFULNESS TECHNIQUES IN MANAGING STRESS AND ANXIETY AMONG ADULT CIVILIAN UKRAINIANS DURING WARTIME

Abstract

This article explores the concepts of stress and anxiety, analyzes diagnostic methods for measuring these states,and assesses the levels of stress and anxiety among adult civilian Ukrainians. It examines the impact of stress andanxiety on mental health and reviews scientific literature and research on mindfulness (full awareness), investigating the effects of mindfulness techniques on stress and anxiety. The study analyzes the relationship between practicingmindfulness techniques and the ability to regulate stress and anxiety levels. The findings highlight the impact of regular mindfulness practice on stress management and anxiety regulationwithin the selected group. The study demonstrates that consistent engagement with mindfulness techniquessignificantly reduces overall stress and, to a lesser extent, anxiety in adult civilians living in Ukraine duringwartime. Furthermore, mindfulness techniques are described as a valuable tool for coping with and preventing various psychological states while enhancing overall resilience.The results also suggest that these findings could serve as a foundation for future research, exploring the effects of mindfulness techniques on different population groups or under alternative conditions.Self-reports from participants indicate improvements in concentration, sleep quality, mood, physical relaxation, and overall stress resilience. Some individuals also reported that mindfulness practices helped them managenegative thoughts and catastrophizing, which can amplify stress and anxiety. The empirical research findings partially confirm the main hypothesis: regular mindfulness practice significantly reduces general stress levels and has a moderate effect on lowering anxiety among adult civilians in Ukraine during the war.