Mindfulness meditation might improve short-term memory (STM) capacity by mitigating task-irrelevant information occupying cognitive space and mediating relevant information, thusly reducing cognitive load and freeing up cognitive resources to be utilized on the current task. 

Syracuse University

•	Anxiety reduction 

•	Reduction of cognitive load  

•	Greater executive control 


Possible mechanisms of mindfulness meditation effective on short-term memory (STM)

Youngs, M. A., Lee, S. E., Mireku, M. O., Sharma, D., & Kramer, R. S. S. (2021). Mindfulness meditation improves visual short-term memory. Psychological Reports, 124(4), 1673–1686. https://doi-org.libezproxy2.syr.edu/10.1177/0033294120926670

Mindfulness Meditation Improves Visual Short-Term Memory

Mindfulness meditation facilitates a reduction of anxiety, which is the suggested cause that the attentional control aspect of the central executive is impaired. The inhibition function of the central executive is unable to efficiently redirect attention away from task irrelevant stimuli, therefore interfering with individual ability to complete tasks that require sustained attention. Memory tasks require effective attentional control in order to maintain attention to goal-relevant information

Mechanisms of mindfulness meditation: Anxiety reduction

Mechanisms of mindfulness meditation: Reducing cognitive load

Mindfulness meditation encourages the acceptance, rather than avoidance, of thoughts and emotions as they pass through the consciences awareness, suggesting that MM improves the acceptance of emotional states, resulting in greater executive control. 

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