Does mindfulness change baseline awareness?
Short Answer
It can. Many people report increased self-awareness, earlier detection of stress, and more frequent present-moment contact. Baseline change is gradual and depends on sustained practice. ---
Why This Matters
The real benefit of mindfulness is carryover—how you respond when you are not meditating. Understanding duration and aftereffects helps you build cues and micro-practices that extend mindfulness into daily life.
Where This Changes
If mindfulness practices disrupt sleep or increase alertness late at night, move practice earlier or switch to gentler body-based grounding. Effects depend on timing, technique, and stress level.