Meditation is an ancient practice that has been used for centuries to help de-stress and centre oneself. But what are the effects of meditation on the mind and body? Let’s take a look at how meditation can positively affect both your mental health and physical wellbeing.
The Benefits of Meditation on the Mind
Meditation has been scientifically proven to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress while improving mood, concentration, and overall well-being. Studies have shown that regular meditators report lower levels of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline as well as higher levels of serotonin (the “feel good” hormone) than non-meditators. Additionally, research has found that long-term meditators show increased grey matter in regions associated with self-awareness, introspection, concentration, empathy, and compassion. This means that regular meditators have greater control over their emotions and thoughts—a quality known as emotional intelligence—that helps them navigate life’s ups and downs with greater ease.
The Benefits of Meditation on the Body
Meditation doesn’t just help our minds, it also helps our bodies! Regular meditators report lower blood pressure as well as improved digestion since it encourages relaxation throughout the body. Furthermore, research shows that daily practice can improve immune system function by changing how genes related to inflammation are expressed in the body—a process known as “gene expression” or “Epigenetics.” Not only does this mean fewer illnesses caused by inflammation but it also means faster recovery times from illness if you do get sick! Finally, studies have found that regular meditators experience less pain than non-meditators due to changes in brain activity related to pain processing. All in all, meditation offers numerous benefits to both your mind and body!
Conclusion:
Meditation is an ancient practice with countless health benefits for both your mind and body. It can reduce anxiety, depression, stress levels while increasing mental clarity and concentration; plus it can reduce inflammation in the body resulting in better immune system function along with less pain overall. Many people find that it helps them lead happier healthier lives by restoring balance between their physical selves and mental states. So next time you want to de-stress or unwind after a long day why not give meditation a try? You may be surprised at how much better you feel after even just one session!
Come Join the Online Meditation Community