In my first post, I briefly alluded to some potential benefits of taking up a meditation practice. I wanted to do some research and find out for myself what the proven benefits of meditating are!
One article from Healthline highlights 12 benefits of meditation that are supported by scientific evidence.
1. Reduces stress
2. Controls anxiety
3. Promotes emotional health
4. Enhances self-awareness
5. Lengthens attention span
6. May reduce age-related memory loss
7. Can generate kindness
8. May help fight addictions
9. Improves sleep
10. Helps control pain
11. Can decrease blood pressure
12. Accessibility
12 Science Based Benefits of Meditation www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-benefits-of-meditation
Most of the listed benefits are physiological or psychological, but I find it really interesting that generating kindness is included on the list. I feel like meditation is usually practiced for its internal benefits and is perpetuated as a more inward or personal practice. Highlighting the possibility of increasing kindness as a benefit of meditation is a great way to extend it beyond individuals and show how it can benefit the community as a whole.
The twelfth benefit of meditation in this article defines two different types of meditation: focused-attention and open-monitoring. The distinction between these methods of meditation interested me and I intend to explore them further in another post!
Another article, from Mayo Clinic, refers to meditation as a “mind-body complementary medicine” and highlights it as an accessible tool for managing and reducing stress. According to this article, meditation can help alleviate symptoms of certain illnesses but mentions that more research is necessary before drawing concrete conclusions on the benefits of meditation.
“these benefits don’t end when your meditation session ends. Meditation can help carry you more calmly through your day”
Meditation: A simple, fast way to reduce stress www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/meditation/in-depth/meditation
