7 scientifically proven benefits of meditating

The purpose of meditation is to bring yourself into the present moment and gain inner peace. So often we visit the past and future; both are only components of our memory and imagination.

There are many methods to practice mindfulness - meditation being the OG mindfulness strategy and it has been a practice for thousands of years.

It also consists of various methods so you will find something that is suitable for you.

Practicing meditation is becoming a trendy topic now because of the many benefits found through research.

So without further ado lets go through the top 7 benefits of meditating.

Neuroplasticity

I discovered the amazingness of meditation and the brain when I was studying Psychology for my A-levels.

I was in complete awe when I found out that our brain has the ability to rewire itself – for the better.

Did you know that the cells around a damaged area in your brain can take over and enable you to function as if nothing happened?

Research on Tibetan monks show that meditation can change the inner workings of the brain and it has permanent effects too!

You need to meditate daily for around 20 minutes for 8 weeks to notice changes. Sitting down in silence to meditate may seem like you’re doing nothing.

But your brain is actually doing a lot of work. When you practice something over and over again, it improves a specific part in your brain.

Almost like you’re working out a muscle in your brain.

Achieve A Tranquil Mind

Practicing meditation will help you achieve a tranquil mind as it decreases stress and anxiety.

This is the most popular reason why people meditate, and quite rightly so, meditation will help calm you down immensely.

Consistent practice will help you detach and let go of thoughts with no judgement.

This is how you lead a happier and more peaceful life.

Heightened Self-Love

Metta meditation is a loving-kindness meditation, and you can use it with visualisation.

You use positive affirmations such as, “I am open to well-being, love and joy”, “I am safe and loved”, “I am forgiving and compassionate” while focusing on your breath.

You can use these affirmations for yourself and/or people that you love and find difficult; just change the phrases to, “May you find peace” etc.

The purpose of this meditation is to heighten self-love, forgiveness and compassion towards yourself and others.

Being compassionate and forgiving is important because holding grudges or resentment is not good for your own wellbeing.

This will inevitably help with resolving problems, boost your self-esteem and increase positive social connections.

Increases Your Self-Awareness

Meditation detaches you from the cloudiness in your mind overtime.

This is because, by practicing meditation consistently you’ll recognise the kind of thoughts that always come up.

This will bring clarity and being self-aware can lead to changing habits, behaviours and thought patterns.

Increases Creativity & Productivity

Focused attention and open monitoring meditation will increase your concentration levels, discipline, creativity and productivity.

Focused attention meditation is the common meditation method where you focus on your breath or a dot on the wall or anything that you feel comfortable with.

The purpose is to focus on something for a designated amount of time. Whenever your mind starts to wander, you gently bring your attention back to it.

Open monitoring meditation is actually the opposite. There is an internal open monitoring meditation and an external monitoring meditation.

The internal open monitoring meditation focuses on thoughts, emotions, memories and imagery.

The external open monitoring meditation focuses on smells, colours and anything else in your current environment.

The purpose of open monitoring meditation is to allow your thoughts to wander, recognise what comes into your mind while staying present, with no judgement and reaction.

Both these methods combined are great for an improvement in your lifestyle especially if you struggle with getting things done and staying productive.

Improves Overall Wellbeing

Research has shown that meditation helps decrease physical pain as well as mental health illness - stress related symptoms.

Meditation increases coping and tolerance levels. Interestingly, meditation deactivates the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight response).

This is really helpful for those suffering from an anxiety disorder as meditation can help decrease panic attacks but also, practicing breathing exercises while having a panic attack will make it go away faster.

Consciously Use The Power Of Your Subconscious

When you meditate you are essentially opening up the barrier to your subconscious.

Everything that goes on in there, comes up to the surface enabling you to deal with things you don’t like whether those are thoughts or trauma.

By practicing meditation, visualising and affirming you are inserting what you want to be or do into your subconscious.

Our subconscious controls our lives and fate. By consciously affirming positive phrases and imagery you are giving yourself a great future!

Meditation was a method initially used for spiritual enlightenment and connecting to your higher self.

Today we have evidence showing that meditation can indeed lead you to a better life!

Remember that meditation is not a magic pill to fix all your problems and something that gives you everything that you want.

Consistency is key in anything that you do. If you make meditation a habit, you’ll discover miracles!

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