The Benefits of Meditation

One of the things I decided to make time for this year was meditating. I've had a few friends who've spoken about the benefits of meditation, so I thought it would be a good thing to try. Just putting aside 10 minutes every day to breathe and step away from my work and outside noise.

If I'm honest I've been a bit hit and miss and sometimes if I've got a busy day it does go by the wayside and I'm not sure the lady who talks me through my guided meditation does a version where there's a chihuhua demanding that you rub her belly as you meditate, but maybe she doesn;t live in a house with 7 dogs. Or maybe Barbara is fully onboard with meditating every day.

Barbara fully embracing the benefits of meditating.

Lucy refers to it as our "namaste era". I now some people think it's mumbo jumbo, but on the days I make time for the "Daily Calm", I do feel a lot better.

Here's some of the benefits that meditating can have on your mind and body.

Mental & Emotional Benefits

1. Reduces Stress - Meditation lowers cortisol (the stress hormone), helping you feel calmer and more relaxed.

2. Improves Focus & Concentration - Regular practice enhances attention span and mental clarity, useful for both work and daily tasks.

3. Enhances Emotional Health - It can lead to improved self-image, mood, and greater emotional resilience.

4. Reduces Anxiety & Depression - Mindfulness meditation in particular has been shown to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression.

5. Promotes Self-Awareness - Practices like self-inquiry meditation help you develop a better understanding of yourself and your thought patterns.

Physical Health Benefits

1. Improves Sleep - Meditation can help with falling asleep faster and improving sleep quality.

2. Lowers Blood Pressure - By reducing tension in the blood vessels, meditation contributes to better heart health.

3. Boosts Immunity - Some studies suggest it enhances the immune response and reduces inflammation.

4. Reduces Pain - Mindfulness meditation has been shown to lower perception of pain in the brain.

Cognitive Benefits

1. Improves Memory - Meditation, especially focused-attention types, helps improve both short- and long-term memory.

2. Slows Age-Related Cognitive Decline - Regular practice may help maintain brain function and structure over time.

Have you tried meditating?