Being Productive is often associated with getting more done.

It may sound counter-intuitive to associate something like meditation, which idles the mind, with productivity.

This is not one of that new age, pseudo-science posts about meditation & and how it will help you get connected to your chakras, circles, and the whole world. No.. no.. no…

Let’s look at some scientific studies and evidence why meditation is going mainstream. We will discuss the positive effects of meditation and how it might improve your productivity.

1. Lowers Cortisol Levels

For Beginners, cortisol is the stress regulating hormone in our bodies. Too much cortisol means you are screwed – weight gain, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, mood swings, etc. Studies have proven that high cortisol levels are common in Western Society, and it is negatively impacting productivity and public health.

Meditation has been proven to help reduce cortisol levels in the body. Something as simple as taking 10 deep breaths helps keep your body relaxed and reduces stress immediately. A simple 10-minute routine a day will create a sense of calm throughout your entire body, mind, and brain.

2. Improves Cognitive Functioning

Cognition refers to things like memory, learning new information, speech, reading, etc. In other words, almost everything we need on a day-to-day basis to function properly at work.

Psychologists have studied the correlation between meditation and improved cognitive skills. And they have concluded that to see improvement in cognitive skills, one does not have to necessarily have to be a master of meditation. But, only four days of training 20 minutes a day has shown significant improvements in participants.

Other studies and research has proven that meditation helps you to focus better and improve your concentration.

3. Boosts Creativity and Innovation

Our brain is one of the most complex things in the universe -it is responsible for our instincts, emotions, and any type of rational or logical thinking. Different parts of the brain are responsible for specific functions. For instance, there are parts of the brain that are responsible for all our emotions (amygdala and the limbic system). The part of the brain responsible for creativity, problem-solving, strategizing is called the Neocortex.

The Neocortex is what we use to think, to gain clarity, and also from where we get our best ideas. However, our emotional brain gets in the way

Have you ever felt emotional (for whatever reason) and you notice that emotion is getting in your way of getting work done? That is because the emotional part of the brain is taking control of that situation.

Studies have proven that meditation reduces the impact of our emotional brain, improves emotional intelligence, boosts the functions of the neocortex, and thereby enhancing creativity.

4. Meditation Improves Employee Well-being

Companies like Google, Intel have now incorporated meditation into their work environments. Some organizations have meditation rooms where employees can find solace and a quiet place to unwind from the day’s work.

Other companies such as Apple, Nike, AOL, Yahoo, HBO have also incorporated meditation into their workplaces.

More organizations are realizing that meditation is like a preventative medicine that affects an employee’s productivity and boosts their wellness.

Some organizations are teaching meditation to senior leadership, and this trend is growing rapidly on a global scale. Even the US Navy Seals have incorporated Yoga and Meditation into their training regimens.

5. Bonus – Meditation Improves Your Sex Life

I know!! I know!! You were not expecting this. Neither was I.

There is a stigma that meditation is associated with asceticism and monkhood- but that is not the case. Studies have proven than a practice of daily meditation does improve one’s sexual performance.

Who knew? Now you are more interested in meditation, aren’t you?

Additional Reading:

In summary, we have looked at the physical, emotional, mental benefits of meditation.

There is a direct correlation between a balanced mental, physical health with productivity. The more mentally calm & sharper you are, it reduces your stress levels and you can focus more on your projects.

The more physically vibrant you are, the more energy you have – the more productive you are.

We have looked at various evidence & studies about the impact of meditation on your productivity.

However, the only way to find out is to try it yourself and see the results. I have started to notice improvements in my work and life.

Have you noticed similar benefits?