Numerous studies have proven the benefits of regular meditation. These can include decreased stress, improved concentration, lower blood pressure and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, to just name a few. While there are different types of meditation, they can all offer a similar set of proven benefits for mental and physical health.
Better focus and concentration.
Stress reduction is one of the most common reasons people try meditation. Normally, mental and physical stress cause increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This produces many of the harmful effects of stress, such as the release of inflammatory chemicals called cytokines. These effects can disrupt sleep, promote depression and anxiety, increase blood pressure, and contribute to fatigue and cloudy thinking. In an 8-week study, a meditation style called "mindfulness meditation" reduced the inflammatory response caused by stress . Research has also shown that meditation may also improve symptoms of stress-related conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, and fibromyalgia. You can also use gemstones that promote healing including moonstone, tiger eye crystal, or amethyst to enhance the healing benefits of your meditation practice. You can relax and rejuvenate yourself with the help of healing crystals, which emit uplifting, energizing, and calming vibrations.
Controls anxiety.
Meditation can reduce stress levels, which translates to less anxiety. As it becomes more popular it makes sense why anxiety in places like Australia have decreased in the last decade. Yoga has been shown as one of the best ways to help people reduce anxiety and shares many of the tactics and benefits afforded by meditation. Meditation may also help control job-related anxiety. One study found that employees who used a mindfulness meditation app for 8 weeks experienced improved feelings of well-being and decreased distress and job strain, compared with those in a control group.
Promotes emotional health.
Some forms of meditation can lead to improved self-image and a more positive outlook on life. Inflammatory chemicals called cytokines, which are released in response to stress, can affect mood, leading to depression. A review of several studies suggests meditation may also reduce depression by decreasing levels of these inflammatory chemicals.
Attention span and concentration.
Researchers say that the mind is usually lost in thought 47% of the time. Meditation helps pull the mind away from these feelings. When done the right way, it can change certain parts of the brain linked to depression. Once the mind is relaxed, you're able to focus, concentrate, increase your attention span, and sleep better. It also builds a more robust immune system while creating greater psychological resilience. Moreover, research shows that grey matter - the area of the brain responsible for emotional regulation, planning, and problem-solving - as well as the cortical thickness, responsible for learning and memory, both increase with regular meditation practice.
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