5 Scientific Reasons Why Meditation Has Positive Effects On Your Mental Health
Posted by EASY CLOTHES
What Is Meditation?
Meditation is a mindfulness practice of intentionally spending time with our thoughts. A common misconception is that it's about blocking out everything you're thinking and feeling - that's not true. It's about being kinder to yourself and letting your thoughts come and go - a bit like traffic. There are different types of meditation practices, so there's no right or wrong way of doing it. It's all about what feels comfortable for you. And what fits with your daily life.
The Benefits Of Meditation On Mental Health
1. Regulates your nervous system
Have you noticed that stress can lead to other physiological issues like digestive problems, trouble sleeping, and even cold sores? That's because when you're under pressure, your body releases stress hormones to deal with the perceived danger or threat. Meditation can calm your nervous system allowing your body to function the way it should. Yay!
2. Connects you to the present moment
Permitting yourself to take time out for your mindfulness practice is a powerful way to connect to your surroundings and let go of what's no longer serving you. When you allow non-urgent, non-important tasks to float out of your head, you can experience being more present in your own body and feeling a deeper connection to yourself.
3. Helps manage stress and anxiety
Numerous studies show that meditation is a successful tool for anxiety and stress control. Popular mindfulness app HeadSpace says that "meditation is both a skill and an experience that can improve your health and happiness." By incorporating it into your mental health self-care routine, meditation can become part of your lifestyle and a valuable tool when you feel like life is spinning a little out of control.
4. Improves your focus and concentration
Procrastinating finishing that presentation for your boss? Try 10 minutes of meditation to get you in the 'work' zone. A Harvard Medical School study found a connection between mindfulness and increased focus and concentration. This proves that meditation will support your emotional well-being and allow you better to focus your attention on the task at hand.
5. Boosts your confidence and self-esteem
Mindfulness allows us to be more self-aware and increase our confidence and how we see ourselves. Headspace confirms that when we leverage the positive effects of meditation and "we make time to be kind to our mind, it becomes possible to recognize our value, boost our confidence, and accept ourselves for who we are — little by little, breath by breath."
With so many styles of meditation and so many incredible mental health benefits, what's stopping you from giving it a go?
Do you incorporate meditation into your weekly routine? Let us know in the comments below.
As always, love the Easy Clothes Team xx
