Efficacy of the Mindfulness Meditation Mobile App “Calm” to Reduce Stress Among College Students: Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of Transcendental Meditation (TM) on stress and burnout in healthcare workers. While TM did not significantly reduce acute psychological distress compared to controls, it showed notable benefits in secondary outcomes. These included reduced emotional exhaustion (a component of burnout), anxiety, and insomnia after three months of practice (20 minutes twice daily). These findings highlight TM as a promising, non-invasive method to mitigate chronic stress and support mental health, particularly for professionals facing occupational stress.

Adopting Transcendental Meditation (TM) for 20 minutes twice daily may help reduce emotional exhaustion, anxiety, and insomnia, particularly for those in high-stress environments. TM is a safe, accessible technique requiring minimal resources. However, its effects on acute distress were modest in this study, suggesting it is best used as part of a comprehensive stress-management plan alongside organizational support and other therapeutic approaches.