Meditation is an excellent way to improve your health. It can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve digestion. It can also lower cortisol levels. Those benefits are not all you might have heard about meditation, though. It has also been shown to help reduce food cravings. In addition, research has shown that meditation can reduce levels of pro-inflammatory genes.
Reduces cortisol
Meditation is a proven method for reducing stress. The stress hormone cortisol has been shown to damage the hippocampus, a part of the brain that plays an important role in learning and memory. Therefore, lowering cortisol levels is a way to delay the progression of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, meditation can be a useful part of chronic pain management and can mitigate depressive symptoms associated with chronic pain.
Lowers blood pressure
A meditation class can be a good option for high blood pressure sufferers who want to lower their pressure levels. The benefits of meditation are well documented. It is an effective way to relax the mind and reduce stress. Researchers recommend a minimum of 2.5 hours of meditation practice per week.
Reduces food cravings
If you are suffering from constant food cravings, taking a meditation class might be just what you need. It has been shown to reduce these urges, and it is not just limited to weight loss. It can also help you manage stress. Meditation involves using mindful awareness to recognize situations and recognize feelings. In doing so, you can redirect your attention to more beneficial rewards.
Improves digestion
Meditation can improve digestion by helping to calm the mind and body. Meditative practice can trigger the parasympathetic nervous system in the body, which controls digestion. This system is opposite the sympathetic nervous system, which controls the body’s fight-or-flight response. Many people constantly live on-alert, and even simple life stresses can activate this system.
Enhances energy
The practice of meditation enhances our energy levels and improves our self-confidence. It also improves social relationships. It also improves our mood and overall health. The practice also improves our immune system and helps us be more creative. Those who attend a meditation class often report greater self-awareness and creativity.
Improves relationships
Meditation enhances relationships in a variety of ways. For example, individuals who participate in mindfulness-based relationship enhancement (MBRE) techniques become more aware of themselves and others, which helps them reduce reactiveness and increase empathy. Couples can also benefit from mindful practices by developing a greater ability to accept each other and work through problems. This helps avoid confrontations, which can lead to strained relationships.
Slows aging
Meditation classes have been shown to slow the aging process in many ways. For example, meditation increases the activity of a chemical called Telomerase, which is responsible for lengthening chromosomes. Telomers are the end pieces of chromosomes that get shorter with each cell cycle. Inflammation has also been found to contribute to the aging process. If meditation can slow the aging process, it may help prevent premature aging.
