7 Science-Based Benefits of Meditation

According to experts, it is present in a variety of forms and exercises.

However, there are seven primary categories, which gets further divided into sub-categories.

Ways to Meditate

Perhaps, the most commonly-practiced one is mindfulness meditation. It refers to the practice of staying aware as well as present in the moment.

Unlike other ways, you don't have to sit in one place or allocate a special time. You can practice anywhere anytime. All you need to do is focus on the present things without judgment.

For example, while standing in a queue, you can notice the surroundings and focus on the wait without getting annoyed.

Some other common types include Loveness-Kindness meditation, progressive relaxation, and breathing awareness meditation. In Loveness-Kindness meditation, practitioners open their minds to receive love from the world and then send it back. It helps relieve them from anger, frustration, anxiety, and other negative emotions.

Progressive Relaxation focuses on body scanning and releasing tension from stressed muscles for better health. Meanwhile, Breathing Awareness meditation urges practitioners to focus on breathing and ignoring the thoughts for increased concentration.

Zen meditation, Kundalini Yoga, and Transcendental meditation are the three advanced types of meditation. It involves the practice of mantras, exercises, and other activities.

1. Helps with Blood Pressure Issues

When quick pumping of blood, the heart muscles face immense stress. Over time, the continuity of speedy pumping of blood weakens the heart and makes it vulnerable to heart problems.

Meditating regularly can help counter this problem. When the mind relaxes, the blood flow eases. And consequently, the rate of work that the heart reduces too. Thus, reducing the pressure and improving heart health.

2. Helps with IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, also called IBS, refers to a health disorder of the large intestines. Its symptoms include diarrhea, bloating, constipation, abdominal pain, and cramping. According to studies, meditation helps reduce the symptoms of IBS.

3. Reduces Chances & Impact of Hypertensive Conditions

Since it is a mental exercise, meditation plays a humongous role in enhancing neurological functioning and performance. It calms the brain activity and makes it possible for every individual to direct focus as desired. Consequently, it develops a more thought-out approach towards life and eradicates situations and reactions that may lead to headaches and migraines. It does not only reduces the chances of developing hypertensive conditions but also reduces the impact of it. Plus, it enhances the cognitive function of the brain.

4. Upgrades Productivity Levels

In a study, few workers practiced mindfulness meditation for 4-weeks. Then, their multi-tasking ability got compared with workers without meditation training. The study concluded that workers with training performed well. They made minimal errors and experienced less stress. Hence, meditation proves to be a great method to boost one's productivity levels.

5. Augments Sleep

Over time, challenges in life and stress can develop insomnia in people. The chances of experiencing insomnia at some point are high in working adults. However, with mindfulness meditation, you can improve sleep significantly.

A study involved two groups, one practiced meditation, and the other did not. Upon comparison, it concluded that participants who practiced meditation slept better and quickly. Meanwhile, the other group did not. Research shows meditation enables you to redirect runaway thoughts that trigger insomnia. Hence, allowing us to relax and sleep peacefully.

6. Reduces Memory Loss

A form of meditation, called Kirtan Kriya, improves one’s attention and cognitive skills. The mantra/chant with repetitive finger movements allows one to concentrate better. In an analysis of 12-studies, the conclusion showed meditation to augment memory, responsiveness, and attention in elder participants. Hence, proving that meditation increases the capability to execute memory tasks and preventing age-related memory loss.

7. Helps Fight Addictions

Meditation develops mental discipline in our minds that contribute to better self-control. According to research, meditating helps restore the willpower and impulse control to addictive behaviors. It helps break the dependency on other substances. Another study, involving 19-recovering alcoholics, concluded the participants who received meditation were better able to control their cravings.