Staying present in the moment is a real challenge these days. With our smartphones just a touchscreen away, it’s tempting to distract ourselves when we feel an instant of boredom. While this might seem harmless, it’s actually a problem, especially when we’re stressed or anxious. That’s where meditation comes in, helping us focus on the ‘now’, which is great for both our mental and physical wellbeing.
Here’s why meditation is so useful:
1. It’s a Stress-Buster
Stress is often underestimated, and if you’re constantly stressed, this can really affect your body in a negative way. It can mess with your sleep, push you to overeat, and even make your hair thin. If you don’t tackle it, stress can lead to heart and digestive problems. Reducing stress can be a game-changer, and meditation can help with this. It decreases the stress hormone called cortisol which is the culprit behind many negative effects, like inflammation. Research shows mindfulness meditation – a technique that brings our focus back to the present moment – can reduce stress-driven inflammation.
2. Pain Relief
More than 50 million people in America are battling chronic pain every day. If you’re one of them, you know how this affects simple day-to-day tasks. Nowadays, many doctors prefer alternatives to pain-killer prescriptions because they don’t want their patients to risk addiction. Meditation is getting more popular as a pain management tool. Some studies show that meditation can help increase tolerance for acute (short-term) pain and may even bring temporary relief to those suffering from lower back pain. Of course, always talk to your doctor before trying out a new pain management technique.
3. Keeps Depression at Bay
Depression can consume life’s joy. When you’re depressed, even activities that you used to love can feel pointless. But, meditation can help fight depression because it battles stress and anxiety, which can trigger depressive episodes. Negative thought patterns and difficulty imagining a better future play a big role in stress and anxiety. Mindfulness meditation can help you break these patterns, teaching your brain to focus back on the ‘now’.
4. Lowers Blood Pressure
Cardiovascular diseases are leading causes of early deaths. Everyone should pay more attention to their heart health. Reduced blood pressure could help significantly in keeping your heart healthy. High blood pressure can overwork your heart and narrow your arteries, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke down the line. Alongside a healthy diet, meditation can help you maintain a normal blood pressure. Various studies reveal that techniques like mindfulness and transcendental meditation help relax the mind, lowering blood pressure.
Give it a Go!
Starting with meditation is easier than you think. You can find a plethora of instructional videos online to help you get started.
So why not give it a go? Experience the benefits of meditation for better mental and physical health.
