Meditation has been used since ancient times as a means to reduce stress, calm the mind and increase inner peace, and most spiritual traditions have some form of meditation practice. Therefore, there are many different types of meditation. Generally, we can say meditation is any practice where you focus your attention on specific internal or external processes, whether it is your stream of consciousness, your sensations, your breath, repeating a mantra or identifying sounds.

Nowadays, most people use the word meditation to refer to relaxation techniques and mindfulness. In order to see what techniques are suitable for you, you should learn more about different types of meditation and try them out. Any meditation practice is highly beneficial and have been around for millennia for a reason. Science is finally catching up with the importance of meditation, and we have just heard confirmation from Harvard neuroscientists’ study that meditation grows our brains. We present you with reasons why you should take up meditation today.

Nowadays, most people use the word meditation to refer to relaxation techniques and mindfulness. In order to see what techniques are suitable for you, you should learn more about different types of meditation and try them out. Any meditation practice is highly beneficial and have been around for millennia for a reason. Science is finally catching up with the importance of meditation, and we have just heard confirmation from Harvard neuroscientists’ study that meditation grows our brains. We present you with reasons why you should take up meditation today.

Meditation is one of few practices that work on all levels – it influences our emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical bodies.

Emotional benefits

reduces stress and calms down the central nervous system

alleviates depression and improves our mood since it boosts the production of serotonin and melatonin, hormones that make us happy

makes you more emotionally stable

reduces extreme emotional reactions like fear, anger and anxiety

increases low levels of frustration tolerance

increases the experiences of inner calm and peace, joy and contentment

Mental benefits

improves cognitive functions like focus and concentration which translate into productivity

grows grey matter

builds new neural connections between left and right brain hemispheres making you smarter

boosts logical and critical thinking

gives you a quick mind

improves your memory and awareness

helps you see the details as well as the big picture

gives you better control over your thought processes

Physical benefits

boost the immune system

helps reduce inflammation

alleviates symptoms of asthma, heart disease, allergies, cancer, IBS, high blood pressure, headaches, stress symptoms

decreases emotional and physical pain

improves your motor skills by balancing both brain hemispheres

boosts your energy and alleviates fatigue

improves the quality of your sleep and rest

allows you to breathe properly (longer, deeper breaths)

improves your posture and spinal health

Spiritual benefits

improves and refines your intuition

opens you up to spiritual awareness

awakens your latent talents

boosts your compassion, understanding and empathy

lets you experience different states of consciousness

leads to enlightenment (it might take a while!)

puts you in the state of ‘flow’

lets you stay in the present moment or be mindful

puts you in touch with your real, inner you

As you can see, the benefits of meditation are many. Not only does it make you smarter, calmer, healthier and generally a better person to everyone including yourself, it also makes you feel happy.

Here are some basic guidelines to help you get started. Starting with short, easy meditations will inspire you to establish a regular routine.

If you’d prefer to be instructed, local community colleges, rehabilitation centers, and holistic practices usually have beginner meditation courses you can sign up for.

You can only change your life for the better, so get started today!

Author: Emma Lawson

Emma is trying to live her life according to nature. She is a health enthusiast, sharing knowledge and valuable information to those who care. After finishing a health care course at Royal Rehab College, Emma now wants to give something in return. You can follow her on Twitter @EmmahLawson.