Staying focused in the present moment can be tough. We often find ourselves distracted, especially in moments of free time when our phones are right there. This might not seem like a big deal, but during periods of stress and anxiety, it can take a toll on us. The practice of meditation helps us stay in the moment, offering significant benefits to our mental and physical health.
Let’s look at some of these benefits:
1. Stress Reduction:
We often overlook the impact of stress on our health. The long-term exposure to stress can mess up our sleep, lead to overeating, and even cause hair thinning. Worst-case scenarios may include heart and stomach issues. Meditation proves to be a real game-changer here. It effectively fights the stress hormone, known as cortisol, that causes inflammation in our bodies. Practicing mindfulness meditation – a type focusing on the present – can help lessen the inflammation. So, if you’re stressed, give meditation a try.
2. Pain Management:
Around 50 million people in the US live with chronic pain, which can make even simple daily tasks a struggle. Due to the risk of addiction to opiate-based painkillers, doctors are now encouraging other pain management methods like cognitive behavioral therapy, acupuncture, physical therapy, and meditation. Studies show meditation can increase pain tolerance and provide relief for conditions like lower back pain. Just remember to discuss it with your doctor first.
3. Reducing Depression:
Depression can severely impact a person’s quality of life. Stress and anxiety often trigger it, stemming from negative thoughts about oneself and a pessimistic view of the future. Mindfulness mediation helps by breaking these patterns, enabling the brain to refocus on the present.
4. Lowering Blood Pressure:
Heart disease claims numerous lives prematurely around the world. So keeping our hearts healthy is crucial. One way to do this is by reducing blood pressure. High blood pressure can overwork the heart and narrow the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke. Thankfully, meditation, paired with a good diet, has been found to reduce blood pressure.
It’s pretty simple to get started with meditation. Numerous instruction videos are available online to guide you. Give it a try and experience the benefits yourself!
Tags: Benefits, Meditation, Mental Health, Physical Health
