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Meditation is the perfect antidote to modern stress
Life these days can be extremely fast-paced, and time goes by so quickly that many of us don't really take time out to experience our lives. We become over stimulated, over scheduled, and over committed. Not surprisingly, taking a break from this stimulation can actually improve your health: physically, emotionally, and mentally.
It's like a reset button for your mind and body.
It was recently discovered that over 80% of all doctors' visits are due to stress-related complaints, and often, stress is due to of our out-of-balance lifestyles, and those not-so-nourishing choices we habitually make.
Meditation is a practice that brings about balance physically, emotionally, and mentally. Not only does meditation help you get back in to balance physically, it will help your sense of well being, and you’ll be able to think more clearly and make better choices.
Meditators 40 years and older go to the doctor 73% less often
than those who don't meditate.
Meditation is studied in more and more in classrooms, clinics, research laboratories, and spiritual centers – and we see it work everyday in ourselves, in those we love, and in those we teach. Individuals 40 years and older go to the doctor 73% less often if they have a regular meditation practice. And meditators have 87.3% fewer admissions to the hospital for heart disease, and 55.4% fewer admissions for benign and malignant tumors of all types.
Meditation benefits the body.
One of the biggest benefits from meditation is lowered blood pressure, and the general calming of the nervous system. A 1974 study conducted at Harvard Medical School (and since repeated in other studies) reported that borderline hypertension often responds extremely well to meditation. Just by practicing meditation, most people under the age of 40 could expect to fall below the limit set for borderline hypertension, which is 130.90.
Not only does meditation aid in lowering heart rate and blood pressure, it has been used to help people quit smoking and conquer drug and alcohol addictions. Meditation relieves anxiety and depression and insomnia. And, it regulates hormones, including reducing cortisol -the stress hormone, and increasing DHEA - the youth hormone.
Meditation is recommended by almost every health professional. Meditation has been proven to actually reduce stress in our nervous systems so you can face your day with a fresh attitude and calm manner.
The mind body connection shows that stress and emotional trauma can turn into chemical toxins, the so-called "stress hormones" that have been linked to many different diseases. Because the mind and body are intimately connected, when the mind settles down, so does the body. This allows for the release of stress-induced physical symptoms. And since most disease is caused by or worsened by stress, meditation is really good for your health.
Here are some of the proven physiological benefits:
- Lower cholesterol
- Curb insomnia
- Boost the immune system
- Treat drug and alcohol abuse
- Ease pain of arthritis
- Speed up the healing response
- Relieve digestive disorders
- Reduce symptoms of PMS and menopause
- Increase energy and vitality
- Reduce stress and fatigue
- Improve eating habits
- Normalize blood pressure
- Better overall health
That's probably why meditation is becoming more and more popular and is often recommended as a complement to traditional therapies. Rather than medicating away the symptoms of chronic conditions that some of us suffer from, meditation is prescribed to prevent and reduce the stress that underlies disease. Remember the saying, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"? Meditation is that prevention.
Meditation is good for the mind too.
Those who meditate also report a greater sense of inner peace, a feeling of well being, calm and happiness. They also report higher levels of self-esteem, a clearer mind, the ability to focus and make better decisions. Others say they are less dependent on what others think or say about them to feel their value as a human being. A regular practice or meditation will make a difference in social situations too. Fear and anxiety will no longer be a constant companions.
Here are some more psychological benefits:
- Reduced anxiety and expanded capacity for happiness
- Improved concentration and focus
- Improved mental clarity
- Improved performance, efficiency, and productivity
- Increased job satisfaction
- Decreased need for addictive substances
- Increased self-awareness and self-confidence
- Increased fluid intelligence (IQ)
- Increased intuition
- Reduce depression
- Relieve anxiety and compulsive behavior
- Alleviate stress levels
- Improve decision-making ability
- Enhance memory
- A General sense of well being
During meditation you gain a deeper rest than in sleep, yet at the same time, your awareness expands. You’ll feel more rested and you’ll begin to cultivate a centeredness and sense of balance that before might have seemed elusive when you were faced with stressful situations.
Meditation: It's good for the soul.
And along with the many psychological and physical benefits, when one meditates they often report spiritual benefits. Through meditation, one can connect with their higher self — where energy, creativity and inner awareness are truly a natural state of being.
With a daily practice, you'll become more intimate with yourself and who you are, tune into your intuition and your true feelings, your body and its messages. You’ll make better choices in life. And live a life of more comfort.
Many say meditation helps them to figure out what they really want and clarify their goals. Some report it helps them to be present emotionally and mentally when they are with their loved ones or doing their work, rather than being distracted and missing the experience of their lives. Meditation also increases intuition and develops a peaceful mind.
It has also been said that meditation creates:
- A deeper sense of connection to others
- An awareness and connection with your higher self and source, or Creator
- Enrichment of all aspects of your life
- Activation of the expansive qualities of the heart
- Easy access to the power of attention and intention to realize your deepest desires
- Increased occurrence of synchronicities
Even a few minutes of meditation every day can help. In the morning, a meditation can help you feel more alert and relaxed all day. And, when you get home from work, you can meditate to help you shift gears and transition from work mode to your life at home. Meditation can also be good for your relationships. When we're stressed out, it can affect everyone around us at home and at work. People also find that meditating together is a harmonious experience.
Read more meditation research findings for the latest benefits discovered.
or
learn to meditate at home.
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