Recent Research from University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Highlight Findings in Psychology and Psychiatry (Deep Rest: an Integrative Model of How Contemplative Practices Combat Stress and Enhance the Body's Restorative Capacity).

Recent research from the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) has highlighted the benefits of engaging in contemplative practices such as meditation, yoga, and prayer for psychological and physical well-being. The study integrates scientific literature on contemplative practice interventions, stress science, and mitochondrial biology to present a unified biopsychosocial model of how these practices reduce stress and promote physical health. The researchers argue that contemplative practices facilitate a restorative state called "deep rest," which optimizes cellular energy consumption and enhances positive psychological and physiological functioning. This research provides valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of contemplative practices and their potential benefits. [Extracted from the article]