Finding it hard to stay in the here and now? Many of us won’t admit, but it’s tough. As soon as we get a break, we reach for our phones instead of enjoying a quiet moment. This might not seem like a big deal, but when we’re going through phases of stress and anxiety, being self-aware becomes more critical than ever. Practicing meditation helps us stay focused in the present and it can do wonders for our mental and physical health.
So, what good can meditation bring?
1. Busting Stress
Stress is like that sneaky ninja, it harms us silently. Constant stress can wreak havoc in our bodies – it messes up our sleep, leads to binge eating, and even thinning hair. God forbid, if we don’t manage it, stress can lead to heart issues and stomach problems. But guess what? We can knock out stress with meditation. Stress causes cortisol, a hormone, to shoot up in our bodies leading to inflammation. By focusing on the now, mindfulness meditation, a type of meditation, can control stress-induced inflammation. So why not try meditation to undo some stress damage?
2. Managing Pain
A whopping 50 million Americans deal with chronic pain regularly. It makes day-to-day tasks hellish. Doctors these days are less likely to prescribe opiate-based painkillers due to addiction risks. They often suggest alternatives like cognitive behavioral therapy, acupuncture, or physical therapy. But meditation is climbing the ranks as a potent way to manage pain. Some research shows it can help increase tolerance for acute pain, and others found it might provide relief for lower back pain. Remember, though – talk to your doctor before including meditation in your routine.
3. Curtailing Depression
People with depression live life in hard mode. Activities they once enjoyed become meaningless, making life seems pointless. Interestingly, meditation can act as an armor against anxiety and stress, which can lead to depression. Both stress and anxiety get their power from our negative thoughts about ourselves and our future. Mindfulness meditation can smash these negative thoughts by bringing us back to the present moment.
4. Controlling Blood Pressure
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of early deaths worldwide. Everyone needs to pay more attention to their heart health. Lowering blood pressure is a fundamental way to promote heart health. High blood pressure makes the heart pump harder, which can affect its functionality over time. It also narrows down the arteries, possibly causing a heart attack or stroke.
Luckily, meditation could help control blood pressure. Research shows that practices like transcendental and mindfulness meditation can relax the brain, lowering blood pressure. It leads to reduced inflammation and broader arteries during these relaxation periods.
Want to Try it Out?
Starting meditation is super easy nowadays. Watch some how-to videos online, and you’ll have all the required info to kickstart your practice.
Categories
General
Tags
Benefits, Meditation, Mental, Physical Health
