The Worldwide Independent Network of MR (WIN), the leading global association of independent market research and polling firms, has released new findings from its Worldviews Survey. This year’s survey captures the perspective and beliefs of 35,515 individuals across 40 countries. As we mark World Relaxation Day, the latest findings reveal agrowing global reliance on mindfulness and meditation as essential tools for coping with stress. Amidst rising emotional pressure, people are turning to these practices not just for self-care, but for stability and survival.By tracking trends over six years, WIN has assessed and provided valuable insights into how these perceptions are changing over time.
From Ancient Wisdom to Modern Relief
Meditation has deep roots in religious and philosophical traditions. From Sufi dhikr and Hindu japa to Buddhist vipassana and Christian contemplative prayer, it has long served as a pathway to connection, reflection, and transcendence.
Today, especially in the West, meditation is often framed as a tool for self-care and mental health – a refuge from the noise and pace of modern life.
Let’s dive into the findings:
Meditation as a response to a world under pressure
In 2025, 64% of people globally report feeling stressed, and 32% say they experience stress often.
At the sociodemographic level, frequent stress (“often”) is more prevalent among women (38% vs. 27% of men), and increases at younger ages (38% among those aged 18–24 and 37% among those aged 25–34, compared to just 17% among those aged 65 and over). Regarding employment status, the highest levels of stress are reported among the unemployed (42%) and students (40%).
Economic uncertainty, societal pressures, and cultural expectations are fuelling interest in mindfulness practices – particularly meditation. Globally, 35% of people now say they meditate at least ‘sometimes’, which is up from 29% in 2018. Young adults aged 18–24 are leading this trend, with 40% reporting their meditation practices, compared to just 26% among those aged 65 and over.
Clearly, meditation is not just another well-being practice anymore. It has become a coping mechanism in an overstimulated world. Those who report frequent emotional distress are more likely to meditate: 24% of people who feel lonely and 22% who feel irritable or depressed say they practice often. Similarly, 20% of those struggling with sleep or fatigue report regular mindfulness practices to feel better.
This signals a shift: meditation is no longer a luxury or a hip new trend. It’s evolved into a commonly used survival tool, with more and more people turning to it to address psychological distress.
Global movement with local variations
Though the rise in meditation is global, patterns of practice vary widely by country. In India (79%), Morocco (57%), Pakistan (56%), Mexico (55%), Malaysia (55%), US (54%) and Philippines (51%), more than half of the population meditates. In contrast, participation is significantly lower in countries like Indonesia (14%), Brazil (17%), and Norway (18%).
Cultural context matters. While younger generations are integrating meditation into broader wellness routines, countries with long-standing spiritual traditions tend to approach meditation not just as a trend, but as a sacred, culturally embedded practice.
A Call for Collective Stillness
As World Relaxation Day reminds us, rest is not a weakness; it’s a human need. The Worldviews Survey suggests that more people are learning to pause, breathe, and reclaim calm in the face of chaos – a growing global shift that we can all take inspiration from.
Let this be a call to consciousness, especially for world leaders, to be modelling mindful leadership, integrating mindfulness into education systems, funding mental health and wellbeing programmes and even supporting workplace well-being legislations.
Richard Colwell, President of WIN International Association, said:
“While mediation is rooted in ancient traditions, it is gaining importance as a global response to stress. It’s become a tool people are embracing – across generations and culture – not just to feel better, but to stay grounded. WIN hopes the findings from the Worldviews Survey spark meaningful conversations around mental health and help drive the resources and policies we need to address this silent crisis. So, people no longer turn to meditation just to survive, but to reconnect, both with themselves and with life.”
In a world under pressure, meditation isn’t an escape. It’s a response.