What are the benefits of meditation on our health?

The word meditation comes from the Greek word Melété, which means training or exercise. It can be defined as a spiritual practice aimed at training the mind to live in the present moment, without thinking about the future or the past. It originated in the East and is very present in Buddhism. When performed regularly, meditation can have several benefits on your health. Read on to learn about them.

Stress reduction

Numerous scientific studies have revealed the virtues of meditation in reducing the stress level of many devotees. Indeed, mindfulness, a form of meditation, is very effective in reducing the risk of depression and anxiety levels. These benefits were documented in a Belgian study involving people aged between 13 and 25. By training the mind to clear the air, you may then be less likely to dwell on negative thoughts. In addition, if practised regularly, it can change the way you look at things while accepting what is happening to you and letting go of everyday worries.

Strengthening memory and boosting concentration capacity

By improving your concentration skills, meditation can limit the effects of aging on your brain and keep your cognitive skills sharp. This precept has been demonstrated by researchers who conducted a study on 20 people after they took part in a two-month course of mindfulness meditation. By broadening your capacity to listen and reflect, meditation is recommended for individuals prone to nervousness, impulsiveness or hyperactivity. Moreover, it allows you to moderate the rhythm and concentrate on the most important aspects of your life.

Lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases

During a meditation programme, if you relax and unwind deeply, you will be able to lower both your heart rate and blood pressure. In other words, meditation can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as strokes or heart attacks by 50%. Meditation also brings many positive health effects and is recommended in many hospitals for its pain-reducing benefits. Note that it can be practiced by anyone, regardless of physical condition or age, as it has a positive impact on one's health and mood. Ultimately, meditation can reduce stress as well as the risk of cardiovascular diseases while improving memory and concentration.

How to figure out what your dreams really mean

What are the benefits of meditation on our health?