Meditation has benefits for all ages but may be especially helpful for older adults. Increasing the brain's focus makes it possible to boost activity throughout the brain and activate areas that are not always used in daily tasks. This can help improve the brain's functioning in many ways and help maintain growth and mental health.
10 Benefits of Meditation
-
Increase Memory and Concentration
There are many forms of meditation, and they all help to calm the thought process, ease the racing thoughts that pass through the mind, and increase the health and functions of the brain. Color meditation, guided meditations, and using a picture or decoration as the focus can help maintain healthy eyes and train the mind to focus on one thing and calm thoughts in the moment.
It also improves memory by concentrating on memorizing the details of the meditations and slowing down the processes that interrupt focus. Meditation also slows the effects of aging on the brain to keep it healthy and younger for longer.
-
Ease Mental Health Concerns
Research has shown that meditation can help to decrease the signs and symptoms of both anxiety and depression. These are often the results of an overwhelming consideration for:
- What might happen?
- What could happen?
- What has already happened?
Meditation unlocks and releases chemicals within the brain that can interrupt some of those thought trains and help to reduce the occurrences of racing thoughts, confusion, and anxiety. Building a regular practice of meditation can reduce the symptoms of anxiety by encouraging the mind and body to relax, thus reducing pain everywhere in the body. This improves heart rate and energy levels and addresses the root of the anxiety or depression. It takes time to see results, but those who are consistent in their practice can see lasting improvements.
-
Lower Risk of Alzheimer's
Studies have shown that meditation can reduce cortisol in the brain. It can decrease the release of this hormone (which is linked to stress), increase the cortical thickness in the brain, and help increase and protect the grey matter. Both of which can decrease signs of aging in the brain. As meditation helps to calm the mind, it can also boost the creation of new brain cells. This can maintain mental health, reduce the damage that occurs during aging, and decrease the chances of developing Alzheimer's. For the best results, start early.
-
Increase Confidence
People who learn how to sit in quiet with themselves during mediation become more aware of who they are and become more confident. They maintain their sense of self and boost confidence based upon their experience with meditation and their knowledge of themselves. This can increase their interactions with others and create stronger bonds and relationships.
-
Reduce Body Pain
Research has shown that regular meditation can bring attention to areas of the body that require attention and care, helping to find illness and injury quickly so it can be addressed and reduce the body pain that is felt. Offering a focus on something else can lower pain and daily discomfort.
-
Improve Sleep Quantity and Quality
Meditation has been shown to help fall asleep faster and to stay asleep longer. The relaxation of both the mind and the body that is accomplished with a meditation session can help the body better prepare for sleep. There are fewer unprocessed thoughts and feelings to keep a person awake into the night, allowing for improved sleep quality.
-
Improve Focus and Cognitive Functions
By slowing the production of stress hormones in the brain and boosting new brain cells that create new and stronger connections, there is an improvement in the ability to focus. As the aging process slows, the brain can maintain its ability to control the body and thoughts.
-
Combat Loneliness
Especially seen in guided meditations or group meditation sessions, this can bring people together in a way that other activities may not. It has been shown to decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation, often been seen to cause downturns in mental health and lead to depression. Meditating in a group setting brings together people with similar interests and can help find others who can become friends.
Click here to learn more about strategies to combat loneliness!
-
Improve Social Interactions
With increased confidence, better moods, and lower anxiety and other concerns, there is a marked improvement in relationships of all types and easier social interactions. People who feel better and are sleeping well find it easier to interact with other people and are more open to new friendships and connections.
-
Better Mood Stability and Management
There are often increased moods and the ability to better manage feelings. As emotions occur, they can become overwhelming, especially when there is not enough sleep or other needs are not being met. By adding meditation into a routine, there can be an improvement in moods and emotions. The more challenging feelings are easier to manage. It can slow the immediate reactions to feelings and occurrences, allowing anger not always to be the feeling that remains. It can also improve the future outlook while lowering feelings of anxiety, depression, fear, and stress.
Ready to get started? Check out our blog post, Your Guide to Getting Started With Meditation.
Let us know in the comments below - why do you like to meditate?
Related Content: