Meditation has been practiced for centuries. So what?s all the hype about? Well, the practice has been linked to a number of powerful health benefits, including improving some of the most pressing concerns of modern life, such as high blood pressure and unchecked stress. Spending just a few minutes each day on quiet reflection can lead to major physical and mental health improvements.
Meditation can have profound effects on the brain. Some aspects of the practice are immediately identifiable while others may take some time to develop and be fully realized. However, there can be little doubt that those who practice meditation on a regular basis are engaging in a practice that is extremely beneficial for their mind. Here are some examples of this works:
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Stress relief ? Few things can eliminate stress after a busy day quite like sitting quietly and reflecting upon the events of the day. This may allow individuals to process any negative emotions or thoughts they may be carrying from earlier.
Concentration ? By training an individual to bring their attention back to the present more completely, meditation helps a person learn how to sustain concentration. This may have positive effects in one?s professional life, as well as in their ability to stay centered and focused throughout the day.
Support healthy mood ? High stress is among the leading causes of conditions like anxiety and depression. This mood disorder is experienced by up to 25 percent of adults at some point in their life and is one of the leading causes of disability. By eliminating stress, meditation helps individuals avoid these potentially serious mental health conditions.
Improve memory ? Those who are able to maintain high levels of concentration tend to have greater activation in areas of their brain devoted to memory. Many individuals who practice meditation report improvements in their memory. This may be particularly important for seniors who may be starting to experience cognitive impairments. Meditation may be one of the simplest ways to delay this process.
Boost gray matter ? A recent study published in the journal Psychiatric Research: Neuroimaging showed that individuals who practiced meditation for 30 minutes per day over the course of eight weeks experienced measurable gains in gray matter volume. This is the part of the brain responsible for memory, stress management, empathy and sense of self.
Lower blood pressure ? Numerous investigations have shown that regular meditation practitioners have lower blood pressure, particularly if they have been diagnosed with hypertension in the past. This may significantly reduce a person?s risk of heart disease, which remains the most common cause of death in the world.
Unleash creativity ? Many meditators report feeling in touch with their creative side. Tapping into one?s creative wells may help those who work in the arts, as well as professionals in more corporate settings. Regardless of a person?s job, a fresh approach to problems is always a useful tool. This benefit may relate to the next aspect of meditation?s effects.
Renew perspective ? After completely clearing the mind for an extended period of time, it may become possible to look at the world in a new and fresh way. Things that once appeared to be major problems may simply become minor obstacles that can easily be sidestepped.
Lower oxygen consumption ? The body?s respiratory system becomes more efficient at processing oxygen and using it for various purposes. This means it requires less oxygen.
Decreased respiratory rate ? Due to the fact that a meditator requires less oxygen, they are generally able to slow down their breathing rate. When a person?s breathing rate slows down, their body enters into a state of relaxation and calm, according to research.
Increases blood flow to the heart ? Studies have shown that meditation practitioners experience increased blood flow to the heart, which can have a range of cardiovascular benefits. This may enable the cardiovascular system to send more oxygenated blood throughout the body, improving circulation and reducing the risk of potential complications.
Builds self-confidence ? Many people feel high levels of self-esteem and confidence after meditating. This may come from the deepened sense of self a meditator is able to develop during the course concentration and inward reflection.
Reduces pre-menstrual syndrome symptoms ? Studies have shown that women?s symptoms associated with their menstrual cycle are lessened thanks to meditation.
Improves chronic disease management ? Individuals with conditions like diabetes or heart disease may feel more inclined to manage their health risks when they meditate on a regular basis. Depression is common among diabetics, and is often cited as a reason they do not take their medications. By dealing with negative emotions, diabetics may be more inclined to manage their health.
There are virtually no areas of health that are not impacted in some way by meditation. Many in the medical establishment are beginning to catch on to these benefits. It is now relatively common for a doctor to recommend some type of meditative practice to their patients.
Given the proven track record of having countless health benefits, there is no reason why a person should not at least give it a try. For anyone who feels stressed out or has been clinically diagnosed with a health problem, meditation may be just what they need to stay on an even keel.
About the Guest Blogger -?Dahn Yoga?is one of the largest yoga and tai chi companies in the world with its own unique style and brand of yoga.?Dahn Yoga?is rooted in the rich history of an ancient Asian mind-body practice, Sun Do, and in the wisdom of the Chun Bu Kyung.
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