If you've ever noticed, even in times of great stress, you can still find time to sit quietly and meditate. What you might not have realized is that quiet meditation can actually do more for you than all those restful hours of sleep. The reason is that, when you're meditating, your mind is at its most calm and serene. Thus, you are better able to absorb the lessons you learn during your meditation sessions.
There are many benefits to regular meditation. For one thing, regular meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety, two things that can play havoc with your health. Stress and anxiety can lead to a variety of health problems, from higher blood pressure to cardiovascular disease, and they can also disrupt the body's natural healing process. Meditation can help you focus on the present, and this can help reduce both the frequency and the intensity of stressful thoughts.
But does meditation really reduce stress and anxiety? There are a number of different studies out there that conclude that meditation can do a lot to decrease stress and anxiety. One of these studies, conducted by the University of Chicago, concluded that meditation reduced the number and severity of symptoms of depression. In addition, meditation has been shown to decrease the progression of Alzheimer's disease and slow down the progression of Parkinson's disease.
Another study, conducted by the University of Glasgow, concluded that regular meditation was able to alter the function of the human brain. The participants who participated in meditation sessions had significantly more grey matter in their brain than those who didn't. Grey matter is the brain's tissue where neurons are located. When the grey matter in the brain increases, so does the number of neurons. Thus, when the brain is active, both memory and brain function increase.
A third study, conducted at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, concluded that regular meditation can reduce pain and improve mood-related functions in people with chronic pain. The participants who practiced meditation regularly were less likely to have worsening moods after receiving physical therapy. Also, they were less likely to have worsening sleep after the six-week test. Their moods improved in comparison to the placebo group. This study strengthens the theory that regular meditation can reduce pain and improve mood-related health.
Neurofeedback, a technique that uses monitoring devices to train the brain to control muscle tension and stress, has also shown some promise in reducing anxiety and stress. A study published in the July edition of the Archives of General Psychology showed that people who were under high amounts of chronic anxiety had greater brain activity than those with lower levels of anxiety. Those who were able to control their brain activity, through meditation, had less brain activity associated with generalized anxiety disorder.
Increased brain blood flow is one of the mechanisms that lead to a reduction in stress and anxiety. Meditation is effective because it helps you focus your attention, which in turn improves the overall brain functioning. Regular meditation can improve brain functioning as evidenced by studies done on post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, alcoholism, smoking, hyperactivity, insomnia, and appetite control. Many of these problems have been attributed to excessive brain activity. While meditation can't cure these conditions outright, it can certainly help.
Another reason to practice regular meditation is to bring greater relaxation and enjoyment into your daily life. You will be able to sleep better at night, you will have better concentration, and you will feel better emotionally. These changes, alone, can help with a wide variety of physical and emotional conditions. Try practicing a regular meditation routine, and reap the benefits for all your life.
