10 Surprising Health Benefits Of Meditation Backed By Science
Meditation is a practice that has been used for centuries to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. In recent years, numerous scientific studies have been conducted to investigate the health benefits of meditation, and the results have been quite promising.
Here are some of the health benefits of meditation backed up by science:
- It reduces stress and anxiety
- It improves sleep quality
- It lower blood pressure
- It boosts the immune system
- It enhances focus and attention
- It reduces symptoms of depression
- It improves cardiovascular health
- It reduces symptoms of PSTD
- It helps with addiction recovery
- It increases the feeling of well being
- Reduces stress and anxiety
Meditation has been shown to significantly reduce levels of stress and anxiety. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that mindfulness meditation programs can reduce symptoms of anxiety by as much as 38%.
Improves sleep quality
A study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine found that mindfulness meditation can improve sleep quality in older adults who have trouble sleeping.
Lowers blood pressure
Several studies have found that regular meditation can lower blood pressure. A study published in the American Journal of Hypertension found that practising transcendental meditation for 20 minutes twice a day can significantly lower blood pressure in people with hypertension.
Boosts immune system
Meditation can also boost the immune system by increasing the activity of natural killer cells, which help fight off viruses and cancer cells. A study published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine found that people who practised mindfulness meditation had higher levels of natural killer cells than those who did not.
Enhances focus and attention
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Meditation has been shown to improve cognitive function, including attention and focus. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that just four days of mindfulness meditation can improve attention and working memory.
Reduces symptoms of depression
A review of 47 studies found that mindfulness meditation can be an effective treatment for depression, with some studies showing it to be as effective as medication.
Improves cardiovascular health
Meditation has been shown to improve cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow. A study published in the journal Circulation found that people who practised transcendental meditation had a 48% reduction in their risk of heart attack, stroke, and death.
Reduces symptoms of PTSD
Meditation can also help reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that mindfulness meditation can reduce symptoms of PTSD in veterans.
Helps with addiction recovery
Meditation is effective in helping people recover from addiction. A study published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that people who practised mindfulness meditation had a higher chance of quitting smoking than those who did not.
Increases feelings of well-being
Finally, meditation has been shown to increase feelings of well-being and happiness. A study published in the journal Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience found that mindfulness meditation can increase activity in the brain's reward centres, leading to greater feelings of happiness and well-being.
