Meditation
Meditation is an ancient practice that is believed to have originated from India some 3500 to 5000 years ago. This ancient practice involves training one’s mind to focus on a particular thought, mantra, object, or activity to reach a state of calmness and relaxation. While the practice has its roots in spirituality and religion, it has recently become widely accepted as a means of improving mental health and wellbeing in Western society.
Benefits of meditation include:
Meditation has been scientifically proven to reduce Stress and Anxiety. It appears to slow down the heart rate, lower blood pressure, and calm the nervous system. A study conducted at the University of Massachusetts Medical School found that people who practiced meditation regularly reported less anxiety and stress than those who did not meditate.
Meditation can improve our mood and overall wellbeing. Research suggests that the practice increases the production of "feel-good" hormones serotonin and dopamine in the brain, thus enhancing our overall sense of wellbeing. A study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research found that people who meditated regularly experienced less negative emotions and more positive ones.
Meditation may improve self-awareness. Self-awareness is the ability to better recognise one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. By focusing on the present moment, meditators develop a better understanding of themselves and their surroundings. This heightened self-awareness leads to a better understanding of one's emotions and helps the individual regulate their emotions more effectively.
Meditation appears to improve concentration and focus. By training the mind to focus on a single point, such as the breath or a mantra, meditators can improve their ability to concentrate on other tasks. A study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that just a few weeks of meditation training helped participants' ability to sustain attention.
Meditation can increase resilience, which is the ability to bounce back from difficult situations. By practicing mindfulness through meditation, meditators can learn to accept and observe their thoughts and feelings without judgement. This can help us to develop a more optimistic outlook on life and increase resilience in the face of challenges.
In conclusion, meditation has numerous psychological benefits. By reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood, increasing self-awareness, improving concentration, and increasing resilience, it can help to improve overall mental health and wellbeing. If you are interested in starting a meditation practice, there are many resources available, including apps, online courses, and local classes. With regular practice, you can experience the many benefits of meditation for yourself.