Being present in each moment is getting tougher in today’s digital age. We often resort to our phones at the slightest hint of boredom rather than appreciating the world around us. Though it may seem harmless, this lack of focus can take a toll on us, particularly during stressful times. That’s where meditation comes in, helping us regain our ability to live in the moment, which can make both our minds and bodies healthier. Here are a few effects of regular meditation:
1. Reduces Stress: You might underestimate stress, but it can actually wreak havoc on our bodies, disrupt our sleep, cause overeating, and even lead to hair loss. Severe stress can also trigger severe health issues like heart and stomach problems. Meditation can calm us down by lowering our stress hormone (cortisol) levels and reducing stress-induced inflammation.
2. Eases Pain: With over 50 million Americans grappling with chronic pain, it’s clear that managing pain is a real problem. As doctors have become weary of prescribing opioid painkillers due to potential addiction, other pain relief methods have become more popular, including meditation. Studies have found that meditation can help increase pain tolerance and provide temporary relief for issues like lower back pain.
3. Reduces Depression Rates: Depression can rob people of joy, making it hard to find purpose in life. By combating stress and anxiety, which often trigger depression, meditation can help break negative thought patterns, encouraging the mind to stay focussed on the present.
4. Lowers Blood Pressure: Heart disease is a leading cause of premature death worldwide. One way to save our hearts is by controlling our blood pressure levels. High blood pressure forces the heart to work harder than usual and can cause arteries to narrow, leading to heart attack or stroke. Along with a better diet, meditation can help control blood pressure by quieting our minds and allowing us to relax.
Starting with meditation isn’t as complicated as you might think. You can easily find videos on the internet teaching you how to meditate, so go ahead and give it a shot for your physical and mental well-being.
Tags: Benefits of Meditation, Mental Health, Physical Health.
