Mind the balance, be contented: Balanced time perspective mediates the relationship between mindfulness and life satisfaction

•Mindfulness was related to Balanced Time Perspective (BTP).•Mindfulness and BTP both predicted life satisfaction.•BTP partially mediated between mindfulness and life satisfaction.•BTP may be a mechanism through which mindfulness exerts its beneficial influences.

Both mindfulness and Balanced Time Perspective (BTP) are well confirmed and robust predictors of various aspects of well-being. In the present paper we argue that BTP may be considered one of the potential links between mindfulness and life satisfaction. We collected data from three samples, applying three different measures of mindfulness, as well as the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. BTP was calculated using the Deviation from a Balanced Time Perspective index. Results have shown that BTP might mediate the relationship between mindfulness and life satisfaction. This effect was replicable across all three samples and for each of the mindfulness measures, however the causal relation between these constructs must be further examined in future studies. The results shed new light on the bases of BTP as well as mindfulness.