Staying present-minded can be tough, especially with our phones constantly beckoning us. This may sound small, but it can lead to major problems during stressful periods. That’s where meditation comes in; practicing it can help us stay in the moment and improve our overall health. Let’s check out some of the benefits of meditation.
1. Aids in Stress Reduction
Stress, though often ignored, significantly impacts our health. Persistent stress can disrupt our sleep, lead to overeating, and even cause hair loss. If ignored for too long, it could result in heart issues and digestive problems. One big step toward a better life is reducing stress.
That’s where meditation comes in, helping to undo stress damage. Stress raises our cortisol levels, a hormone behind many stress-related issues including body inflammation. Mindfulness meditation, which helps keep our attention in the here and now, has been proven to lower this stress-related inflammation. If stress has been getting to you lately, meditation might just be what you need.
2. Helpful for Pain Management
Over 50 million Americans live with chronic pain, making even simple tasks challenging. In view of the addiction risk tied to opiate-based painkillers, many doctors now suggest alternative pain management techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, acupuncture, and physical therapy. Lately, even meditation is getting more interest.
Research shows that meditation can help increase pain tolerance for acute, short-term pain and possibly give relief to those with chronic back pain. If you are thinking of using meditation for your pain management, remember to check with your doctor first.
3. Decreases Risk of Depression
Depression robs people of their ability to enjoy life and find purpose in things they once loved. It’s often triggered by stress, anxiety, and destructive self-thinking. Mindfulness meditation can help deal with these problems; it teaches the brain to come back to the present moment, breaking the cycle of negative thoughts.
4. Lowers Blood Pressure
One of the major causes of early deaths worldwide is cardiovascular disease. It’s essential for everyone to pay attention to their heart health. Keeping our blood pressure in check is a great way to secure long-term heart health. High blood pressure makes the heart pump harder, leading to heart malfunctions, artery narrowing, and can even cause heart attacks or strokes.
Once again, meditation coupled with a good diet can help reduce blood pressure. Techniques like transcendental and mindfulness meditation induce relaxation, thus reducing blood pressure. Even better, this relaxation widens arteries and reduces inflammation as well.
Getting started with meditation is easier than ever now. Numerous online videos offer instruction, giving you all you need to start.
Meditation is truly a wonder; give it a shot and enjoy its mental and physical health benefits.
