Numerous meditation techniques exist, each with its unique purpose, history, and challenges. From Vipassana to yoga and from breathing controls to Orgasmic Meditation, the choice of techniques is endless, and it’s a good idea to try at least a few to find out which ones work best for you.
Preferences aside, there are certain benefits that all meditation techniques have in common, regardless of their specific practices. If you want to transform your life through stillness, these are the effects you can expect:
1. You Will Experience Less Stress
And we could all use a bit less of it, as judged by the increase in anxiety medication sold over the counter. When sitting down to do your practice regularly, your brain will produce less cortisol, the fight-or-flight hormone we experience as stress. Furthermore, meditation allows us to regain control over our emotions and nervous system by creating neurological pathways that help us center ourselves in the here and now and return to our bodies when stress threatens to take over.
2. You’ll Crave More of What’s Good for You
Practitioners worldwide report that sitting down in the here and now has encouraged them to take better care of themselves. You’ll see that the discipline that comes with regularly employing meditation techniques will make you more inclined to nourish your body and mind – which means more appetite for healthy food and less for cigarettes alcohol and artificial flavors.
3. You’ll Be Able to Concentrate Better
A study by the journal Psychological Science, led by Katherine MacLean of the University of California, saw 60 participants sign up for a 3-month retreat during which they would spend at least 5 hours a day practicing meditation techniques. Before, during, and after the retreat, their mental performance was tested by employing a boring test that required the participants to focus intensely. Those who had been investing in regular training scored much higher on the concentration front – something you can also achieve by committing to your practice.
4. You Can Lower Your Blood Pressure
We all know that meditation is relaxing but relaxing has actual cardiovascular benefits to it as well! It is known to increase the compound nitric oxide, which causes our blood vessels to open and, consequently, our blood pressure to drop.
5. You’ll Be More Likely to Be Happy
Meditation puts you on the fast track to being happy. Studies show that it increases brain activity in the left part of the brain’s prefrontal cortex – a center associated with positive emotions – while decreasing activity in the right side of the prefrontal cortex causes us to feel negative emotions. And besides all the other benefits it brings you, what more is there to want?
Are you ready to transform yourself into a better, healthier, more focused you? Choose a meditation practice today and start feeling the benefits.