Nowadays, we often find it challenging to stay focused on what’s happening right now. We are so used to scrolling on our phones whenever we get a second of free time that just chilling out seems like a foreign concept. But brushing off the importance of being present can actually mess up our headspace when we’re feeling stressed or anxious. That’s where meditation comes in. It can help us chill out and reap some important mental and physical health rewards.
Let’s look at some cool benefits of meditation:
1. Stress Buster: Stress is like that annoying friend who never really leaves us alone. Over time, it can mess up our sleep, lead to comfort eating, and even cause our hair to thin. If we ignore it, some serious health issues – like heart problems or stomach complications – could sneak up on us. But hey, meditation comes to the rescue, fighting against stress damage. It helps reduce stress-related inflammation in our bodies caused by a hormone named cortisol. If you find yourself stressed a lot, maybe give meditation a shot.
2. Pain Relief: An estimated 50 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. It’s tough when even basic daily activities become a painful task. These days, doctors are rightly cautious about prescribing addictive opiate-based painkillers. Instead, they’re looking at alternative pain relief options like cognitive therapy, acupuncture, physical therapy, and now, meditation. Studies are showing that meditation can increase pain tolerance in the short term and even provide some relief from conditions like lower back pain. But remember to check with your doctor before trying out meditation for managing pain!
3. Fights Depression: Depression can be incredibly isolating, making life colorless and devoid of purpose. The things one used to enjoy just aren’t fun anymore. Meditation can help battle the anxiety and stress which often kickstart depressive episodes. These issues typically spring from negative thinking and the inability to picture a better future. But mindfulness meditation helps break these negative mental patterns and trains your brain to concentrate on the present.
4. Lowers Blood Pressure: Cardiovascular disease is a killer worldwide, so it’s always a good idea to pay attention to your heart health. Taking steps to reduce blood pressure can be key to keeping our hearts ticking along nicely. High blood pressure makes the heart pump harder and can eventually lead to heart attacks or strokes. But guess what – meditation, along with a better diet, can actually help lower blood pressure and promote heart health!
So, why not give it a shot? They say there’s no time like the present, so go on and find a meditation video online, and try out a session. Who knows, it might just become your new favorite way to unwind!
