Let’s start with being honest, shall we? Life is stressful. And the sources of it could well vary. Stress could stem from an excruciatingly annoying boss or maybe because your kid flunked the math test (yet again). There are enough reasons and more that can stress us out - no matter how blissfully happy our Instagram account vouches for us to be.
Health Risk
If you happen to deal with some form of stress over a long period of time, it can turn into a chronic state. Side effects can range from regular headaches, depression, anxiety – to name a few. Your adrenal glands are then set off to over-producing a hormone called cortisol and in turn affect your brain, immune system and other organs.
Here’s what happens if you choose meditation as a means for coping and staying connected with your body and mind a little every day:
Boosts your emotional health
Chemicals called Cytokines which are released into the body when you are under stress, could affect your mood and lead you to depression. Research shows that you can beat the inflammatory Cytokines with regular practice.
Heightens your self-awareness
You can develop the ability to break negative or self-defeating thought patterns that work against your confidence and happiness. Creative and intuitive problem solving is also one of the benefits of regular practice.
Helps you focus for more extended periods
Whether you are aware of it or not, your mind is constantly exposed to information through your phone, laptop & tv. This can affect your mind’s natural and innate potential of staying focused. Meditation can help you regain it.
Could protect you from age-related memory loss
When your practice is combined with a “mantra” or “chanting” in repetition, it improves your ability to perform tasks that are memory-related and keeps your mind clear with regular training.
Promotes better sleep
Insomnia is increasingly on the rise, especially because of the influx of information we are exposed to. Meditation can help you control your restless thoughts that often cause insomnia while putting your body at ease and relieving you of tension – all ideal for sleep.
Helps you manage pain
In-depth meditation can alter the experience of pain through the brain. This is crucial in the cases of chronic pain and can be an impactful source of relief for those suffering from physical distress. However, medical treatment and physical therapy are recommended in such cases in addition to meditation.
Reduces strain on your heart
High blood pressure forces your heart to pump blood harder which can ultimately lead to poor heart function. Meditation can help control blood pressure by reducing the strain on the heart’s arteries.
Key Takeaway
Whether you’re swamped with stress or feel like you need a little positivity to get through your day, meditation is the answer. No memberships, no annual fees – you can practice it anywhere, as many times as you need, and enhance your quality of living.
