Wellbeing & Meditation
I discovered Meditation almost eight years ago and it has been part of my daily life ever since. I have solved the problems I started with and now maintain a daily practice for many reasons. There are so many benefits.
It is the best tool I know of to make your mind flexible. If you can change your mind, you can change your life. Some people have the perception that it is something fluffy and as a result not for them. Not at all–it is highly practical and a great counterbalance to handling the many weapons of mass distraction, helping us overcome stress and restore balance in modern life. It brings strength and focus which is fundamental to both happiness and success.
I have been blown away by the benefits I have received and seen others experience over the years. To celebrate Wellbeing at Work day on Friday March 31, I am sharing some of the scientifically proven benefits and outcomes with you.
Meditation helps us solve problems and overcome what we do not want–fear, stress, anxiety etc. And over time, it helps us be more confident, sensitive, self-aware and personally effective so that we can relate better with ourselves and others and focus our energy on creating what we want.
It reduces worry, fear, anxiety and depression. A regular practice has been proven to regulate mood, panic and anxiety disorders. When practiced before a stressful event, it minimises the adverse effects. It boosts emotional wellbeing. It helps us feel more connected to ourselves and with others which enables us to relate, connect and network more effectively. It increases mental strength, memory, resilience, creativity, and improves decision making and problem solving skills. It has also been proven to help manage ADHD.
Physically, meditation boosts your immune system and energy levels. It balances and benefits breathing and reduces blood pressure, strokes, inflammatory disorders and heart and brain problems. It is known to help prevent arthritis, fibromyalgia and alleviate pain. In some studies, meditation has even been found to be more effective than morphine in pain relief.
It helps develop increased immunity and resilience. It reduces feelings of loneliness and brings connection. It positively impacts on people with Alzheimer’s and helps manage psoriasis. It helps people stop smoking, manage cholesterol and emotional eating. It has also helped reduce alcohol and substance abuse and treat pre-menstrual and menopausal symptoms. It aids in sleep.
Overall, it enhances our ability to perform under stress which is probably why most highly successful people have a daily routine that involves meditation. It gives clarity in thinking. It also improves our decision making and enables the mind to come up with more innovative and creative ideas and solve complex problems.
A long-term practice of meditation increases grey matter density in the areas of the brain related to learning, memory, self-awareness, introspection and compassion Saying the mantra Om, has been proven to help in the preparation and recovery from surgery.
Science is now confirming what the ancients knew and what millions of people are experiencing around the world – A regular meditation practice helps you maintain a healthy body and mind, making you happier, more balanced and focussed. It creates space and boosts energy for you to develop and grow so you can thrive. If you want to address any of the problems mentioned in this article or improve your performance or over-all wellbeing, try it today. It is the first step in a wonderful journey of self-discovery and brings great peace and nourishment for mind, body and soul.