Meditating is good for so many reasons. It can be really difficult to get in the habit of meditation, but if you can meditate at least one time every day, it can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and risk of depression. It not only helps put your mind at ease, but it also helps strengthen it.
Meditation helps increase memory, cognitive skills, and managing ADHD. It also promotes better decision making and creativity. For the body, it can improve your breathing, immune system, and energy levels.
Mindful meditation is known mostly for stress relief. The part of the brain that helps with stress response is the hypothalamus. This is also the part of the brain that is in charge of hormone production. The hormones that are produced by the hypothalamus control all kinds of bodily functions, such as hunger, sleep, and thirst.
The hypothalamus works together with the pituitary gland and the adrenal gland. When you get stressed out, your body creates a fight or flight response. Adrenaline is produced in high volumes and is pumped through the adrenal gland. When this happens, it makes your blood pressure rise and your breathing increase.
The amygdala is also a source of stress because it is known as the fear center of the brain. This is the part of the brain that controls initial responses to situations, even fear and anxiety.
When you meditate, the connections of the parts of the brain that focus on you and your problems and the part of the brain that focuses on the bodily sensations and fear begin to wither away. This causes the feeling of anxiety and fear to decline because meditation makes it easier to ignore those things that are going on in your life.
After meditating, the connections in the centers of your brain begin to be more rational and calm. Instead of thinking that something is wrong, you can see it from a different, more positive perspective.
To meditate, clear your mind of all of the junk that is in it. Turn off all electronics and direct your attention to the center focal point of your body. Begin by noticing all of your body parts. Focus on the feeling of your chest moving as you take slow, deep breaths. Do not let your mind wander, but if it does, try to go back to focusing on your breathing.
All it takes is a few minutes a day to reduce stress and anxiety while also combating against various other health problems, such as depression and even arthritis. Once you get in the hang of meditating every day, you will notice a difference in your daily life when you feel much more positive and focused.
Sources:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/use-your-mind-change-your-brain/201…
https://www.bulletproofexec.com/benefits-of-meditation-how-to-meditate/ (Photo)