Whether sitting or lying, perhaps eyes closed, breathing, focusing, ensuring the mind isn`t wandering, meditation remains a necessity that has existed for a while. Although it is commonly known as a mode of prayer, there`s more to meditation.
It is a state of consciousness, during which the mind is trained in quietness and unwavering focus in order to reach a higher level of awareness and calmness. Neurologists have discovered that regular meditation is advantageous to the brain, as it decreases stress and enhances concentration and control of emotions. “Meditation” is derived from the Latin words “meditari” and “meder”. “Meditari” means to think, consider, and reflect upon, while “meder” means to heal and to cure. So, yes, meditation has some health benefits!
The stress hormone, cortisol, gets increased as a result of mental and physical stress, and this could be harmful. It increases blood pressure, leads to depression, and generally affects the physical and emotional well-being of the affected person. On this note, it`s been discovered that meditation is beneficial in stress management.
Meditation is good for stress management
Meditation, through neuroplasticity, transforms the brain and its response to stress. Neuroplasticity is the brain`s ability to form new neural connections as it adjusts to environmental changes. It is simply referred to as brain rewiring. Mediation proves that the brain can be strengthened, as it does strengthen the brain, hence a difference in its reactions to experiences. This, to a large extent, manages stress, as it builds the capacity of the brain, body, and mind.
Meditation battles insomnia
Asides meditation bringing about less worry and reducing the effects of stress, which to a large extent enhances sleep, meditation boosts one`s melatonin level, which is key in the process of falling asleep. Meditation also cools the brainwaves of insomnia, boosting those of sleep. People who suffer insomnia are found to have beta brainwaves, associated with worry, stress, moodiness, depression, and fear. Meditation takes one to the alpha brainwaves, popular for calmness, peace, creativity, dreamless sleep, and much more.
Meditation reduces blood pressure
Closely related to the point on stress management, reduced stress level brings about a normalization of the entire body system. This leads to a lowering of blood pressure and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.
How do I enjoy these benefits?
Simply pick a suitable type of meditation and follow through with some disciplined consistency. Here are two types of meditation which are popular for their health benefits:
Mindfulness
To practice this, your attention should be on your thoughts. Mindfulness is a state of meditation in which there is active and open attention on the present. Taking it as an English word ordinarily, to be mindful is to be aware. It is a careful observation of your thoughts and feelings without being judgmental. The crux of mindfulness is dwelling in the present. It is practiced by being in a comfortable position with closed eyes and silence for some minutes.
Transcendental Meditation
This type of meditation was derived from the ancient Vedic tradition of India by the late Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Transcendental Meditation is done by sitting in a comfortable position with closed eyes and a silent repetition of a word or phrase to focus concentration. Doing this regularly reduces anxiety, blood pressure, cholesterol and chronic pain.
These types of meditation are beneficial in a number of ways, some of which are:
- lowered blood pressure
- lowered heart rate
- higher heart functioning
- increased calmness
- better concentration
- increased awareness
Can meditation be entirely good without disadvantages?
There`s always the other side to almost everything in life. It is important you know the possible dangers meditation has so you can avoid them as you delight in the experience. Here are possible dangers of meditation:
The problem of attachment
People who practice meditation regularly have been found to be at risk of an unhealthy attachment to it, to the point that it leads to social impairment. They get so mesmerized by the feeling of meditation that they abandon relationships, everyday conversations, and other daily activities to go to their spot and state of meditation. This proves an unhealthy attachment to the detriment of other relationships that should complement the act of meditation as they too are beneficial for mental and emotional well-being too.
Escapism
The feeling derived from meditation, and its overall solutions to emotional issues may get overly enjoyed to the point that one may choose to unhealthily check out of reality. So some persons may choose to meditate all day to enjoy the higher feeling and satisfaction it gives instead of facing challenges and solving problems which are just natural to human existence. So meditation for such people might be seen as a way to avoid the real life—an escapist system. This, in the long run, negates the essence of meditation, as problems only get compounded.
Mood swings
Some persons meditate and exhibit traits contrary to their reasons for meditating. They expect some stability of their emotions, but however get to have instability in their moods. So, yes, they may feel calm as expected, but may suddenly get angry at some point. This, of course, is to the detriment of their emotions and the emotions of those around them. This danger might be as a result of an imbalance in one`s activities. This imbalance may stem from overdependence on meditation. This overdependence occurs when people don`t confront situations appropriately, as required in certain situations, but rather employ meditation.
There you go; you can meditate for a healthier you. Without taking pills “you can meder”, and deal with those health challenges. You only need to meditari—meditate!
