{"id":1290,"date":"2023-02-21T17:55:59","date_gmt":"2023-02-21T17:55:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthnews.zone\/?p=1290"},"modified":"2023-02-21T17:56:00","modified_gmt":"2023-02-21T17:56:00","slug":"the-benefits-of-meditation-and-how-to-do-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthnews.zone\/?p=1290","title":{"rendered":"The Benefits of Meditation (and How to Do It)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If I had to name one of the most commonly recommended health tips from hundreds of podcast guests, it would be to adopt a meditation practice<\/a>. In fact, on-air or off-air, I\u2019d estimate that at least half of all guests have mentioned this as being one of the most impactful parts of their life. And the science supports it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s take a look at some of the benefits of meditation.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Meditation?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First, what is meditation? It comes from the Latin word meditari<\/em>, which means to think, ponder, or contemplate. Meditation is the art of directing focused attention<\/a>. When we meditate we direct our attention toward specific thoughts, words, or actions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although many religions and belief systems incorporate meditation, it doesn\u2019t have to be attached to these practices. An increasing amount of science is showing just how beneficial it can be. For years I thought I was bad at meditating because I couldn\u2019t clear my mind. Turns out, it\u2019s not about that!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some types of meditation concentrate on images through visualization. Others focus on holding certain feelings, like love, kindness, and forgiveness. Still others direct the attention toward deep breaths<\/a>, repeated blessings, or rhythmic motion, like walking or running. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most people have preconceived ideas about what meditation is and isn\u2019t. The great thing is that there\u2019s not just one way to meditate. There are several very different methods, which means there\u2019s something for everyone.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Meditation Works<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to research, meditation training improves brain structure. A daily practice spanning several weeks can increase the gray matter in your brain. Long-term meditators have higher amounts of gray matter than non-meditators. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does this mean for your brain health?  Meditation may improve your emotional balance, memory, learning capability<\/a>, and ability to plan and problem-solve. This has far-reaching effects from improving relationships and careers to financial planning, and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meditation can also lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol<\/a> and increase serotonin. It rivals antidepressant medications in studies. A 2014 systematic review and meta-analysis showed meditation worked just as well as antidepressants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though the improvement was minimal, it was equal to the medications. But without the side effects. While these results came from daily practice over 2 to 6 months, meditation sessions don\u2019t have to be long. Even 10 minutes can improve stress levels, focus, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The field of neuroscience recognizes meditation\u2019s potential. But neuroscientists are just beginning to look into the mechanisms behind it. You can learn a lot about the science behind it here in my interview with\u00a0Dr. Joe Dispenza<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Health Benefits of Meditation <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Science continues to validate this therapy practiced by many cultures and religions for thousands of years. According to the research, regular meditation may help with several health conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mental Health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Daily meditation is especially beneficial for mental health and emotional balance. Here are just a few ways it can improve your quality of life:<\/p>\n\n\n\n