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If you like to stay calm then you must have heard about the benefits of meditation and that it is one of the most effective ways to do so. Meditation is being practiced around sanctuaries and it has been proven to be highly beneficial and therapeutic for calming your nerves and achieving a peaceful state of mind.
Origin Of Meditation
If we talk about how meditation started or about its origin, we will find that there is no authentic source that states where meditation was practiced first or originated from; however there are whispers that say meditation originated in South Asia specifically in India. Similarly, there is no given time period for when it originated. But the documented records of meditation can be traced back to 1500 BCE during the Vedic Ancient period.
Due to the increased emphasis on leading a balanced life and having a positive outlook, meditation is performed in many different ways and forms in the contemporary world. Nowadays, the majority of people are getting attracted by the benefits of meditation because of its three major advantages: peacefulness, calmness and balance. However, to fully gain the meditation benefits, it is important to understand the science behind meditation and the correct way to practice it.
Life-Changing Benefits of Meditation
In this article, we will learn about 7 life-changing meditation benefits and several techniques that you can incorporate into your routine to attain a healthy lifestyle.
1. Reduced Stress and Anxiety
One of the most well-known benefits of meditation has been attributed to reduced stress and anxiety. In today’s world where everybody is busy in their lives, stress has become a prevalent part of it too. However, to maintain optimal mental and physical health it is important to reduce stress and anxiety so that a person can stay productive without affecting his health. When we are stressed our body undergoes hormonal changes that can adversely affect our health and can cause panic attacks or anxiety.
By meditating, we can reduce the release of stress hormones including cortisol which will ultimately calm our mind and body. According to research, mindfulness meditation can improve the symptoms of mental health disorders caused by stress such as PTSD, anxiety, and even stomach issues.
2. Improved Focus and Concentration
A study at Harvard reveals that 47% of the time human minds are lost in thoughts that hinder them to focus on the task at hand. Meditation can improve this and help focus the human mind on what is happening in the moment, which can lead to productive results. As soon as you get lost in the “what if” and “what could have been” questions, you need to meditate.
One way to improve your focus and concentration is by peacefully listening to meditation videos and tapes. By focusing on the audio in your ear you will be experiencing music meditation benefits and it will aid you in mind relaxation.
3. Enhanced Emotional Wellbeing
Emotional health is probably the most important of all health aspects. Attaining a healthy emotional state can help you achieve your life goals and of course, a happy and peaceful life. Several studies show that mindfulness meditation can help alleviate the symptoms of depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders that hinder a person’s happiness.
For enhancing emotional well-being, you can perform various forms of meditation such as mindfulness meditation, mantra meditation, guided meditation and more.
4. Better Sleep Quality
There is a direct connection between meditation and better sleep quality. You get sound sleep when your mind is well-rested and at peace. However, many times due to life conditions and worldly stress, we forget to practice mindfulness and that affects our sleep patterns primarily. By meditating, we’re releasing stress from our body and soul, which can result in improved sleep quality.
According to a study conducted by the sleep foundation, a group of people experienced better-sleeping quality up to a year of participation in meditation programs.
5. Lower Blood Pressure and Improved Heart Health
With age, people get certain health issues that do not have any cure such as blood pressure and diabetes. However, you can always control the symptoms and increase your lifespan in the process. Blood pressure is an ailment that results in poor heart health and several other bodily impairments. It can also cause heart attacks and atherosclerosis.
One way to keep these conditions at bay is by practicing meditation. A study showed that meditation can improve blood pressure in older people if practiced regularly. The science behind this is that by practicing meditation, you are relaxing your mind and body which signals your nerves to calm your body and its organs. It also releases stressed blood vessels and promotes healthy heart pumping.
6. Increased Self Awareness and Personal Growth
Meditation can open the doors to self-actualization and personal growth. Many studies prove that when a person is confident and aware, he is more efficient in all sorts of work. By self-actualizing a person gains the best version of oneself which promotes positivity and productivity. Now, you can gain increased self-awareness and continuous personal growth by adding meditation as a means to it.
According to a study, Tai Chi, a sort of meditation, can be practiced to promote self-awareness and enhanced capabilities. Another study confirms that continuous meditation can reduce the negative feelings of solitude and loneliness.
7. Strengthen Immune System
Our gut or immune system is directly linked to how we feel. You must have noticed that whenever you’re stressed, your stomach is the primary organ that gets affected. This is because our system absorbs negative feelings we might feel, causing distress to our body.
When you meditate, the genes in your body that promote health and healing are activated, promoting positive feelings. These positive feelings in your mind signal your nerves to create a healthy mental environment that further causes your immune system to flourish. Several studies, including one by the National Institutes of Health, confirm that meditation reduces the pro-inflammatory process that further enhances the cell-mediated defense of the body against negative thoughts.
Conclusion
There you have it, 7 life-changing benefits that can be achieved by meditation. Meditation is a very convenient form of exercise that can be done anywhere as long as it’s quiet and calm. You can incorporate meditation into your routine through various means including listening to meditation tapes, TED talks, and or by taking part in meditation programs.
Open your mind to the benefits of meditation by understanding how meditation can provide you with miracles of mindfulness and serenity in life. Start experiencing daily meditation benefits and live a healthy and positive life.
FAQs
Ans. According to proven research, you can achieve several of these benefits by meditating for about 15 minutes a day for 8 weeks straight.
Ans. Yes, of course. You must try meditation if you’ve never tried or if you’re a beginner. Start by incorporating small exercises like listening to meditation guides and tapes in your routine. Gradually move towards other techniques to gain benefits from meditation.
Ans. Although research shows the positive effects of meditation on human physical and mental health. Some researchers also enlist that longer periods of meditation can lead to some unwanted side effects of meditation such as dependency, and anxiety.
