3 Benefits of Meditation

Today, May 21, is World Meditation Day. I'll be honest -- I'm not the best meditator. I'm not always consistent in my practice. I don't always stay focused on meditation (or, I guess the better way to say that is I get distracted while meditating). But even though I want to improve my meditation practice, I know that meditation does help me. I am less stress and anxious when I meditate; and my meditation practice is more consistent when I am stressed because I know I need it. Here are three science backed benefits of meditation.

Improve Sleep

Adults with sleep difficulties who begin a mindfulness meditation practice often have fewer insomnia symptoms and less daytime fatigue. Research suggested that meditation improves relaxation and affects the autonomic nervous system, which helps to regulate the sleep-wake cycle.

Lower Stress

Meditation has been shown to reduce levels of emotional exhaustion, burnout, stress, psychological distress, depression, anxiety and occupational stress. Even without a consistent practice, when I do meditate (on my own or using an app like Headspace), I find my stress levels are lower.

Reduce Anxiety

Research in 2018 found that a single session can help to reduce cardiovascular risk in people with moderate anxiety, as well as a general lowered sense of anxious feelings.

Bonus benefit: If you live with a chronic illness, finding ways to manage your health might include holistic approaches like yoga and meditation in addition to medication and other therapies. Studies show that meditation can help with fibromyalgia, post-traumatic stress disorder and irritable bowel syndrome.

Want to chat yoga and meditation for chronic illness or anxiety, or just in general? Send me a message.