Meditation has been practiced for centuries, but it’s only recently that science has begun to acknowledge its myriad benefits beyond the commonly known stress reduction and improved focus. Here are seven unexpected rewards that come with making meditation a regular habit.
1. Enhances Emotional Health
Some forms of meditation can lead to improved self-image and a more positive outlook on life. Regular meditation has been shown to decrease levels of depression by altering the brain’s response to stress and adversity.
2. Increases Creativity
Regular meditation can improve your creative thinking. By clearing your mind of overstimulation, meditation can help you reach new levels of creativity, allowing for more original and innovative ideas to surface.
3. Improves Sleep
Incorporating meditation into your daily routine can help combat insomnia. The relaxation techniques inherent in the practice can enhance the quality of sleep, letting you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
4. Fosters a Stronger Immune System + Heart Health
Regular meditation may boost your immune system, making you less susceptible to illnesses. The relaxation effect of meditation can increase the release of nitric oxide, which expands blood vessels and reduces blood pressure.
Because meditation reducing stress and inflammation in the body by promoting relaxation and reducing tension, meditation can help lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of heart disease.
5. Enhances Memory
Meditation can increase grey matter concentration in the brain, which is involved in memory, sense of self, and empathy. Older adults who practice meditation may have a slower rate of cognitive decline.
6. Helps Fight Addictions
The mental discipline you can develop through meditation may help you break dependencies by increasing your self-control and awareness of triggers for addictive behaviors.
7. May Reduce Age-Related Memory Loss
Directed meditation styles such as Kirtan Kriya, which combines a mantra or chant with repetitive motion of the fingers, have been shown to improve participants’ ability to perform memory tasks.
The modern pace of life makes it easy to underestimate meditation’s subtle, gentle benefits. Whether you’re looking to boost your creativity or strengthen your immune system, spending just a few minutes a day in contemplative practice can bring long-lasting benefits to all areas of your life.