Staying focused on the present is harder now more than ever. Many of us have a habit of reaching for our phones during any free moment rather than sitting idle. It’s not just a small issue. When we’re unable to focus on the ‘now,’ it can become a problem, especially when we’re feeling stressed or anxious. Meditation, however, can rectify this. It can help us stay in the moment and boost both our mental and physical health.
Let’s look at some benefits that meditation can offer:
1. **Stress reduction:** We usually tend not to pay much attention to stress, but it can destroy our health. Constant stress can mess up our sleep, push us to overeat, and even cause hair loss. If left unchecked, it can disrupt our heart and stomach functions. So, cutting down stress can make a huge difference in our lives. Meditation can help decrease the harmful effects of stress. By practicing mindfulness meditation, which is all about concentrating on the current moment, we can lessen stress-induced inflammation in the body. If you’re tackling stress, meditation might be your way to undo some of its effects.
2. **Pain management:** Over 50 million people in the U.S. grapple with ongoing pain, making their everyday tasks challenging. Many doctors have moved away from prescribing opioid painkillers due to the risks of addiction. Alternative methods like cognitive behavioral therapy, acupuncture, and physical therapy are gaining prominence. Meditation is one such alternative that’s gaining attention. Studies show that it can heighten our tolerance to acute pain and provide temporary relief to people with lower back pain. Just remember to consult with your doctor before incorporating meditation into your pain management routine.
3. **Reducing depression:** Depression can drastically lower the overall life quality. People having depression often find it hard to derive joy from activities they once loved. Meditation can lessen anxiety and stress, both of which can trigger depression. Mindfulness meditation can help break the cycle of negative thoughts by redirecting your focus to the present moment.
4. **Lowering blood pressure:** Cardiovascular diseases are leading causes of early deaths worldwide. By keeping our blood pressure in check, we can contribute positively to our heart health. High blood pressure can make your heart work overtime, and that’s not a good thing. In addition, it may cause your arteries to narrow, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke. Again, meditation (together with healthier food choices) can aid in lowering blood pressure. Researchers found out that certain meditation techniques can induce relaxation and reduce blood pressure. Also, they noticed lesser inflammation and widening of arteries during relaxation periods.
**Give it a Go**
Nowadays, it’s quite simple to take up meditation. You can find numerous meditation guidance videos online, giving you all the info you need to get started.
