The amazing benefits of meditating regularly
What's the story
Over the last few decades, interest in meditation has increased, which has led to more conversations and studies on this topic.
While there are different types of meditation, all of them provide a similar set of benefits for mental and physical health.
Here are some of the ways through which regular meditation can help your mind as well as body.
Stress
Meditation is a popular way to reduce stress levels
All forms of meditation can lower the levels of the stress-inducing hormone cortisol, which may help you to feel more relaxed.
Additionally, repeating a mantra (can be a single word or phrase) during meditation can have a calming effect, because when you concentrate on your mantra, your focus will shift away from distracting thoughts.
You can repeat your mantra silently inside your head.
Mental health
Meditation is quite effective while dealing with mental health issues
Some forms of meditation can help you to improve your self-image and fight mental illnesses like depression.
For example, one study showed that people receiving meditation therapies experienced reduced symptoms of depression compared with those in a control group.
Meditation helps in coping with depression because it may reduce the levels of cytokines, the inflammatory chemicals which are released in response to stress.
Attention
Regular meditation can improve your attention span
Regular practice of meditation can increase the strength and endurance of your attention. This is why when someone meditates (even for a short time), their mind becomes focused.
Some studies have found out that regular meditation practitioners have heightened attention and concentration span.
Even the people who meditate for short durations show more focus than individuals who don't meditate at all.
Physical benefits
Meditation also has a bunch of physical benefits
Meditation is considered a great tool for improving emotional health. However, it is also great for physical health.
Researchers have observed that regular practice of meditation can lower high blood pressure and decrease tension-related issues like headaches, ulcers, insomnia, muscle, and joint problems.
Along with increasing energy levels of the body, which eventually improves productivity, meditation also helps in strengthening the immune system.