The human body can be adept and versatile, but it needs some proper care and maintenance on a regular basis to make sure that it can operate at its best. While exercise definitely does a phenomenal job at maintaining the body’s physical health, meditation provides the spiritual catharsis that the body sorely needs after a mentally stressful day.
Meditation is important for one’s emotional well-being and physiological health. Studies show that meditation can reduce stress and anxiety levels, improve your concentration, boost your immune system, and do much more.
In light of these benefits, some skeptics may believe that the benefits of meditation are all imagined as perceived effects to a placebo effect or a byproduct of feeling relaxed. However, a recent eight-week meditation study conducted by Harvard scientists shows otherwise. The data shows that meditation changes the anatomy of the brain’s grey matter, which makes up the brain regions involved with motor control, memory, self-control, decision-making, and more. More specifically, researchers found that meditation actually rebuilds the brain’s grey matter over time and helps one perform better in all general aspects of daily life. So, remember those perceived benefits people have from practicing meditation? They’re actually physiological changes happening within the brain itself!
Image Source: Newton Daly
As the science shows, meditation is a great personal investment for one’s personal health, but it may feel daunting to get started. Once one sees past the misconceptions surrounding meditation, such as worries of it being too time-consuming or difficult to master, it’s easy to see why it’s worth a try.
There are also ample resources available online for meditation novices. For smartphone users, the app “Headspace” does a phenomenal job at introducing new users to the basics of meditation integrating consistent practice experience into their lives. However, those without a smartphone can still take full advantage of online resources such as this ebook preview and this article, which provides valuable information on beginner meditation techniques and tips to making a consistent meditation routine work with a busy schedule.
Headspace app link: Google Play Store (Android) | App Store (IOS)
Meditation is a state of mind and the effects are not only perceived within the mind, it physically manifests in the brain. Meditation is indeed an effective tool to maintain one’s mental health, but for those who are still deciding if meditation is worth the effort, maybe it’s best to try meditating on it.
