These days, it’s so easy to get distracted. Our minds often race from one thing to another, and instead of embracing quiet moments, we usually reach for our phones. This pattern could be a real issue, especially when we’re going through stressful periods. That’s where meditation comes in! It helps us stay in the moment and can boost our mental and physical health. Below are some of the awesome benefits of meditation.
1. Busts Stress: Often, we underestimate how stress can affect our health. It can rob you of your sleep, make you eat more, or even cause hair loss. If unchecked, it could lead to heart, and digestive issues among other problems. But the good news is, meditation is a real game-changer. It can counteract stress. Regular meditation can lower the levels of cortisol, a hormone released during stress, that triggers inflammation in the body. If you’ve been stressed lately, giving meditation a try could be a great idea.
2. Eases Pain: Chronic pain is a real hassle, and sadly, about 50 million Americans battle it daily. Opioid painkillers are not always the best solution due to their addictive nature, so doctors are looking for safer alternatives, and that’s where meditation fits in. It has been found to increase tolerance to short-term pain, and can even provide relief from lower back pain. If you’re dealing with chronic pain, chat with your doctor, and see if meditation might help.
3. Reduces Depression: Depression can make life really tough, sapping the joy out of activities you once loved, and making it hard to see a positive future. Meditation can help by breaking the cycle of anxiety and stress, which often trigger bouts of depression. Mindfulness meditation, in particular, helps to combat negative self-talk, redirecting your focus to the present.
4. Lowers Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is a ticking time bomb, leading to heart attack or stroke, or making your heart work too hard. Every little thing you can do to keep a lid on your blood pressure counts, and thankfully, meditation can help. Studies have found that meditation techniques, like mindfulness and transcendental meditation, encourage relaxation which leads in turn to lowering blood pressure.
Want to give meditation a try? It’s simple! There are plenty of instructional videos online that can help you get started. So why wait? Begin your journey to better mental and physical health today.
