Nowadays, we’re often so distracted that we struggle to focus on the moment at hand. With our phones constantly buzzing, it’s tempting to get caught up in digital chatter than endure any form of silence. While it might seem like a small issue, this can actually wear us down when we face stressful or anxious periods in our lives. Staying present through meditation can actually improve our mental and physical wellbeing. So, how does meditation do all this? Let’s check out:
1. **Kicks Stress to the Curb**
You know that nagging stress we tend to ignore? It can really mess with our health. Long-term stress affects our sleep, our eating habits, and can even lead to physical conditions like heart problems. So squashing that stress is a game-changer.
Meditation is like a natural stress-buster. When we’re stressed, our bodies produce a hormone called cortisol, which causes inflammation and brings on a lot of other stress-related troubles. By directing our focus to the here and now, mindfulness meditation can help lower this inflammation. So if you’ve had a rough time lately, think about giving meditation a try.
2. **Manages Pain**
Living with chronic pain is tough and affects the daily lives of over 50 million Americans. And since doctors are becoming more hesitant to prescribe addictive opiate-based painkillers, alternatives like cognitive behavioral therapy, acupuncture, and physical therapy are often suggested.
Enter meditation. It’s getting more recognition as a pain management tool. Research has shown that it can improve tolerance for acute pain and even offer some relief for something as specific as lower back pain. But remember, always check with your physician before adding meditation to your routine.
3. **Fights Depression**
Depression can rob you of joy in life. Stress and anxiety, highlighted by negative self-talk and difficulty imagining a brighter future, are often contributing factors.
Enter mindfulness meditation. It helps you stay focused on the now, breaking the cycle of negative thoughts. This can relieve stress and anxiety, which can in turn help manage depression.
4. **Lowers Blood Pressure**
With heart diseases being a leading cause of premature deaths worldwide, focusing on heart health is wise for everyone.
And guess what? You can use meditation to lower your blood pressure. High blood pressure makes your heart work overtime and can lead to heart attacks or strokes. Studies have shown that techniques like transcendental and mindfulness meditation not only reduce inflammation, but also lower blood pressure by promoting relaxation.
So why not give meditation a try? It’s easier than ever to get started. A quick internet search will reveal loads of instructional videos that give you all the info you need to begin. It’s definitely worth a shot. After all, who doesn’t want to enjoy better health and less stress?
