Staying focused nowadays is a real challenge. Whenever we have a spare moment, it seems we can’t help but check our phones. But did you know this habit, that stops us from living in the here and now, can make us more prone to stress and anxiety? Meditation is a powerful tool to help us stay present, which can boost both our mental and physical health.
Here’s a lowdown on some of the key benefits of meditation.
**Stress Buster**
We often underestimate the impact of stress on our health. Ongoing stress can interfere with sleep, cause overeating and even lead to hair loss. If we don’t tackle it, it can get so bad that it ultimately affects our heart and stomach. Imagine transforming your life by simply reducing stress. Well, that’s what meditation can help us do.
You see, when we’re stressed, our body produces more of a hormone called cortisol, which causes inflammation. Here’s where mindfulness meditation comes in handy. It helps redirect our focus to the ‘now,’ reducing stress and its fallout. So, if you’ve been under stress, why not try some meditation to dial it down?
**Pain Relief**
It’s shocking to know over 50 million Americans struggle with ongoing pain, making everyday jobs a struggle. With concerns about the addictive potential of opiate-based painkillers, doctors are leaning more towards alternatives like cognitive behavioral therapy, acupuncture, and physical therapy. Here, meditation has stepped up as a solution.
Some studies reveal that meditation can boost our tolerance for acute, short-term pain and provide relief from ailments like lower back pain. But remember to get your doctor’s consent before incorporating meditation into your pain management routine.
**Depression Handler**
Living with depression can be very challenging, especially when you can’t find enjoyment in things that used to be fun. But meditation can be a game-changer as it fights stress and anxiety that often contributes to depression. Mindfulness meditation, in particular, helps redirect negative thoughts and focus on the ‘now’, acting as a powerful tool against depression.
**Healthy Heart**
Heart disease is a major concern worldwide. We can all do with paying more attention to our heart health.
One way is by keeping our blood pressure check. High blood pressure can weaken our heart and cause our arteries to constrict, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke. But, with a mix of a healthy diet and meditation, we can reduce our blood pressure. Practices like transcendental and mindfulness meditation have been found to trigger relaxation and reduce blood pressure, inflammation, and arterial blockage.
**Try it Out**
Getting into meditation is simpler than ever. There are plenty of instructional videos online to get you started.
So, why not explore the multiple benefits of meditation for your mental and physical health? Go ahead and give it a shot!
