Importance of Meditation
In this day and age, we live a relatively fast-paced lifestyle. It’s easy to get caught up with work, school, errands, or social media. If left unmonitored over time, this can easily burn us out…or, worse, push us until we’re unbearably overwhelmed, leading to a full-on breakdown and loss of stability.
In order to prevent this, we just need to slow down a bit from time to time, taking a moment to reevaluate ourselves; to reflect on what we’re doing these days and why we’re doing them. No matter how hectic things get, balancing and healing yourself internally is how you can continue to function, meeting the many physical and real-world demands you may encounter. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a step back and find the part that’s inside of you before taking any more concrete action.
We recognize how this is easier said than done. Meditation is a well-known tool to facilitate this process, but it’s all too often overlooked or ignored. This is why we chose to provide this list of real-life benefits to meditation.
Reduces stress
If stress is not managed properly, it can lead to other serious side effects. Numerous studies show that frequent meditation can actually calm the sections of the brain related to stress and anxiety.
Even performing a simple meditation technique for about ten minutes a day can help you manage stress and decrease anxiety. There are several meditative techniques that can assist with this, but the most ideal method is probably the relaxation response.
This approach was pioneered by Dr. Herbert Benson, here in the U.S. throughout the 1970’s. It was soon deemed one of the most effective ways to control stress and anxiety.
Brings forth happiness
Meditation has numerous effects on various sections of our brain. It enhances and promotes positive and constructive emotions, which may explain why people who meditate tend to live happier lives.
A number of studies have been published on the subject. One such study was conducted on a group of meditating Monks. It revealed elevated activity in the region of the brain we believe is connected directly to happiness.
Helps you sleep better
The majority of people who meditate are able to have quality sleep. Insomnia is a condition defined by a lack of sleep, which can be mild or acute. Research indicates that the condition affects up to one in three Americans. If you can relate to this, then you can take action and meditate. By clearing your mind and putting you in a state of tranquil relaxation, insomnia can easily be reduced or even cured.
Sharpens your Memory
In addition, meditation can sharpen your mind and boost your concentration. Mindfulness meditation helps you concentrate on the present matters; at the same time, it can lead you to remember things that had previously left your consciousness long ago.
By taking away distractions, meditation allows you to listen to yourself and help carefully evaluate the things you’ve done. This leads to a greater memory and understanding of your actions, whether recent or long ago. This, in turn, results in greater awareness of your own paradigms, as well as your effects on others.
Strengthens Immune System
Your immune system is very important in your life, and more so now than ever before. Meditation can actually make it stronger, in a literal physical sense.
Meditating sporadically won’t provide the same long-term benefits as meditating consistently. As with so many things, routine and repetition is key. Fortunately, your daily meditation schedule can be effective even if very brief. This allows time for accommodation even in the most brutally grueling and overfilled schedules.
So would you like to allocate a few minutes a day to meditate?
If you have other suggestions or preferences on how to relax, please let us know down below!