People who practise mindfulness regularly report feeling less stressed and more emotionally balanced - and now neuroscientists are starting to understand why this type of stress management works. Using fancy brain imaging techniques, neuroscientists observed changes in the threat system of the brain. The response kicks-off in the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for triggering fear, and people who suffer from chronic anxiety have a more reactive amygdala. This leaves them feeling threatened much of the time.