ABSTRACT
Objective: To assess 1) the impact of online mindfulness on psychological distress, 2) altruistic efforts, and 3) the quantity, quality, and availability of online mindfulness resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: 233 participants (203 U.S.;20 international;10 unknown) participated in this prospective, single-arm, nonrandomized clinical trial of a single online mindfulness meditation session with pre- and post-surveys. Main outcome measures: (a) Mindfulness session helpfulness, online platform effectiveness, and immediate pre- to post-session changes in momentary stress, anxiety, and COVID-19 concern;(b) qualitative themes representing how people are helping others during the pandemic;(c) absolute changes in quantity of mindfulness-oriented web content and free online mindfulness resource availability from May to August 2020. Results: Most participants felt the online mindfulness session was helpful and the electronic platform effective for practicing mindfulness (89%, 95% CI: [82 to 93%]), with decreased momentary anxiety (76%;95% CI: [69 to 83%]), stress (80%;[72 to 86%]), and COVID-19 concern (55%;[46 to 63%]), (p<0.001 for each measure). Participants reported helping others in a variety of ways during the pandemic, including following public health guidelines, conducting acts of service and connection, and engaging in self-renewing and self-care activities to be able to better help others. Mindfulness+COVID search results increased by 52% from May to August 2020. Most (73%) Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine and Health member websites offer free online mindfulness resources, with 56% of them offering online classes. Conclusion: Virtual mindfulness is an increasingly accessible intervention available world-wide that may reduce psychological distress during this isolating public health crisis. Kindness and altruism are being demonstrated during the pandemic. The consolidated online mindfulness resources provided may help guide clinicians and patients.