There are countless benefits to meditating on a daily basis. When you make mindfulness and meditation a part of your life, you will see improvements in all areas of your wellbeing. From better sleep to improved health, the benefits are vast. Here you can learn about some of the most important benefits of meditation and mindfulness and how to get started with your own daily practice!
One of the most notable benefits of mindfulness and meditation is improved sleep. When we clear our minds and let go of stress and anxiety, it allows for a more restful sleep. Research suggests that mindfulness in connection with meditation can help with managing symptoms of insomnia, in particular it helps adults who suffer from chronic insomnia. But it may even improve sleep for those without existing sleep problems.
The exact interaction of meditation and sleep is still being researched, but it appears that meditation produces lasting changes in the brain that may influence sleep. Studies of people with meditation experience have shown improvements in slow-wave and REM sleep, as well as fewer nighttime awakenings.
But not only does meditation improve sleep. It also has many positive effects on physical health. Research has shown that mindfulness can lower blood pressure, improve heart health, and alleviate symptoms of conditions such as chronic pain and gastrointestinal issues.
Through minimizing stress meditation benefits our body by reducing inflammation. Chronic inflammation is the mechanism by which stress leads to asthma, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, among others. Inflammation promotes autoimmune diseases such as arthritis, psoriasis, lupus, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease, and weakens our immune defenses during acute threats.
Meditation reduces stress-related inflammation and helps with both chronic and acute conditions. It also strengthens the immune system when chronic inflammation is no longer a problem.
But the benefits extend beyond just physical health — mindfulness and meditation have been shown to improve mental health as well. It can decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety, increase self-esteem, and improve overall emotional wellbeing.
How to get started?
If you’re interested in incorporating mindfulness and meditation into your daily routine, there are many resources available to get started. Consider taking a mindfulness class or joining a meditation group in your community. You can also find guided meditations on apps or online, or simply set aside a few minutes each day to focus on your breathing and let go of any racing thoughts.
The great thing about it is that it can be done anywhere at any time — all you need is a comfortable spot and a few minutes to focus on your breath. Begin by finding a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed and sitting comfortably with your eyes closed. Focus on your breathing, letting go of any distractions that enter your mind. Start with just a few minutes at a time and gradually increase the length of your meditation sessions.
You may find it challenging at first, but stick with it — the benefits are worth it! Regular meditation can completely change your life for the better by reducing stress and improving overall health. Start incorporating it into your daily routine today and feel the positive effects in no time. But like with everything else in order to see results you have to be consistent over a longer period of time. What’s more, most of the benefits of meditation are reserved for those who’ve committed to at least 8 weeks of consistent practice. Maintain your meditation practice beyond that first 8 weeks, and you’ll reap greater benefits. Also, those benefits remain with you, even when you’re not meditating.
Meditation can even make it easier for you to incorporate more small and big healthy habits into your daily life.