Five Benefits of Mindfulness

These Five Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation have been shown to increase neurons and grey matter in the brain’s frontal cortex, decrease grey matter in the Amygdala, increase Social Neural Circuitry, increases activation in the anterior subdivision of the cingulate cortex, and increased activation of the Insula, according to Psychology Today.

1) Frontal Cortex – Increased Emotional Control

Possibly the most promising finding for mindfulness is that mindful states achieved through meditation and other mindfulness practices, boost frontal cortex activity. Over time, the increased cortical strengthening boosts our capacity for rational thought and planning, promoting effective executive functioning, limbic modulation (emotional awareness and control), and impulse control as a function of the amount of time spent in meditative and mindful states.

2) Amygdala – Decreased Anxiety

Long-term mindfulness practice are strongly correlated with a reduction of grey matter and activity in the amygdala, the area of the brain associated with fear and anxiety. A reduction in gray matter in this area would lead to a more balance, calmness, and overall mental well being.

It is believed that this reduction of grey matter in the amygdala can also create a buffer against any traumas which could lead to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

3) Social Neural Circuitry – Stronger Relationships

Mindfulness practices were found to be closely linked to relationship satisfaction. According to several studies, mindfulness practitioners have developed more grey matter in socially germane areas of the brain, compared to controls who did not practice mindfulness. This could mean that mindfulness practices increase our ability to establish and maintain emotionally nourishing relationships.

4) Anterior Cingulate Cortex – Increased Attention Span

MIndfulness increases activation in the anterior subdivision of the cingulate cortex, which plays a key role in motivation, attentional capacity, and motor control. Ultimately this increases one’s ability to sustain uninterrupted attention on cognitive tasks, and may contribute to enhanced limbic (emotional) control, as well as helping to regulate painful emotions.

5) Insula – Clearer Intuition

The Insula is where we get our “gut instinct.” It is the home of interoception, the internal sense of your body. Mindfulness has been shown to increase activation of this area. Which in turns leads to a better sense of what your body is telling you about your current situation and emotional state.

So how does all of this help you?

We hope this helps illustrate some of the science behind mindfulness. We at Eastern Science, like many of you, are more focused on the spiritual aspects of meditation, mindfulness, and right living, however, it is nice to see that there is scientific evidence backing up what these ancient techniques.

Meditation and mindfulness can help relief mental health issues that many of us face from over work, under sleep, stress that modern day life can throw at us. The tools we learn through meditation help to keep us grounded so we can make better decisions as we navigate through the world.