The Proven Benefits of Meditation
Meditation is a mind-body technique that existed thousands of years ago. In fact, archaeological findings have shown yogic figures in the Indus Valley Civilisation. But it was not until recently that scientists began to acknowledge its amazing health benefits.
Over the past ten years, scientists around the world have conducted numerous studies on meditation. Here’s what they found:
It boosts immune function. In a study published in the Journal of Behavioural Medicine, researchers at Wisconsin University discovered that just 8 weeks of mindfulness meditation could already improve the brain and immune function. In another research which appeared in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology, scientists found that meditation increased the body’s innate immune and behavioural responses to psychosocial stress.
It reduces inflammation at cellular levels. Researchers at Ohio State University found that a mindfulness-based intervention programme performed in the workplace decreased the inflammation levels in overweight or obese participants. Another study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison suggests that mindfulness meditation is an effective tool against inflammation-causing psychological stress.
It boosts happiness. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that meditation increases positive emotions over time, which in turn increases personal resources, such as mindfulness and social support.
It helps treat mental illness. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine supports the potential efficacy of meditative practices in treating certain illnesses, particularly the non-psychotic mood and anxiety disorders. Another study which appeared in the journal General Hospital Psychiatry revealed that meditation is an effective intervention therapy in the treatment of anxiety disorders.
It changes the brain, in a positive way. Several studies have shown that practising mindfulness meditation regularly creates positive structural changes in the brain, such as increasing the hippocampal and frontal volumes of the grey matter (UCLA School of Medicine).
It boosts your productivity levels. You may wonder – how could doing nothing boost productivity? Mindfulness meditation, according to a study appearing in the journal Cognitive, Affective, & Behavioural Neuroscience, increases focus and attention, improves the ability to multitask, and strengthens memory.
It makes you wiser. Because of the positive changes happening in your brain whilst you meditate, you can expect a significant improvement in your cognitive abilities. In a recent study, UCLA researchers discovered that long-time meditators tend to have larger brains than those who don’t meditate. Specifically, they have larger prefrontal cortex – the part of the brain responsible for attention and control.
It makes you extra creative. Research by Jonathan Schooler of the University of California, Santa Barbara, suggests that mindfulness meditation improves a person’s ability to think outside the box.
Mindfulness, which is defined as paying attention to the present moment, is a relatively simple practice that we can incorporate in our daily life. Have no time to meditate? What is 20 minutes of your time in exchange of all these amazing health benefits? Give meditation a try and expect a big difference in the quality of your life and health.
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