Jan. 2 (UPI) -- To many, New Year's Day represents the possibility for beginning anew. Of late, individuals are welcoming the start of another year with a resolution to practice mindfulness , a type of meditation. Many believe mindfulness will help them relax, lessen stress and anxiety, reduce chronic pain and generally improve the quality of their lives - and the research bears this out. Advertisement Over the past 40 years, mindfulness has become a popular meditation practice around the world