Staying present in the moment can be quite a challenge these days. We tend to whip out our phones the minute we’re idle, not realizing that this lack of focus can hurt us most during stressful periods. But guess what, meditation can help you reclaim that ability to live in the here and now, resulting in better mental and physical health. Let’s unpack how that works.
Firstly, meditation is a great stress buster. While many overlook stress, it can be damaging – messing up sleep, leading to overeating, even causing hair thinning. Over time, stress can trigger heart and digestive problems. Here’s where meditation steps in – it counteracts the damage stress inflicts, notably by reducing inflammation caused by an uptick in cortisol (often dubbed the “stress hormone”). So if you’ve been feeling stressed out, considering some meditation time could be a step in the right direction.
Secondly, meditation can help manage pain. Given the worrying risks surrounding opiate-based painkillers, doctors have been exploring other options like acupuncture, physical therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Meditation is now also in the mix, having been shown to enhance tolerance to acute pain and provide temporary relief for issues like lower back pain. If you’re dealing with chronic pain, do have a chat with your doctor about adding meditation to your treatment plan.
Thirdly, meditation can be a tool against depression. It can tackle anxiety and stress, two triggers that can spiral into depressive episodes, by breaking the chain of negative thoughts and promoting focus on the present.
Lastly, it’s worth noting that meditation may help lower blood pressure. With heart diseases being a leading cause of early deaths worldwide, anything promoting heart health is always good news. High blood pressure can strain the heart and narrow arteries, leading to serious conditions like heart attacks or strokes. Thankfully, meditation techniques, coupled with a healthier diet, can aid in reducing blood pressure.
Tempted to try meditation yet? It’s no biggie to start – all you need is a few online tutorials to guide you through the process. Try it out and reap the benefits for both your mental and physical health.
