Mindfulness and Health Behavior Change: Insights from Individuals Managing Hypertension

This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of individuals with hypertension who engage in mindfulness practices to understand how mindfulness supports health behavior change. This qualitative study utilized a descriptive phenomenological design to investigate the role of mindfulness in health behavior change among adults diagnosed with hypertension. Sixteen participants (9 females, 7 males) from Canada, all of whom had practiced mindfulness for at least three months, were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews focused on participants' experiences with mindfulness in managing hypertension-related behaviors such as stress reduction, medication adherence, diet, and physical activity. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using NVivo software. Thematic saturation was reached after the 16th interview. Three main themes emerged from the data: Awareness and Self-Regulation, Motivation and Empowerment, and Lifestyle Integration and Behavior Adaptation. Participants reported enhanced bodily awareness, improved emotional regulation, and reduced reactivity to stress through mindfulness practice. They also described a heightened sense of control and internal motivation to make healthier choices, as well as the successful integration of mindfulness into daily behaviors such as eating, exercising, and medication adherence. Many participants reframed their hypertension as an opportunity for growth and reported improved relationships and communication through mindful connection with others. The findings suggest that mindfulness supports meaningful and sustainable health behavior changes in individuals with hypertension by fostering self-awareness, intrinsic motivation, and daily behavioral adaptation. Integrating mindfulness into hypertension care may enhance patient self-efficacy and support long-term lifestyle management.