But Why Should I Meditate?
Author: Jordi Butt - Enrolled Nurse
The difficulty of having the discipline to slow down is greater than ever in the hyperconnected, hectic atmosphere of today. You are always surrounded by outside distractions in today's world thanks to technology. Chronic stress and other negative psychological states can be covered up, but society is starting to see the need for a countermovement.
So it makes sense that mediation has gained enormous popularity in recent years. The many techniques for achieving a relaxed state of being are together referred to as meditation. The components of meditation can be found in many different relaxation and meditation techniques. The pursuit of inner tranquilly unites all.
Your mental well-being and general health can both be improved by the sense of calm, peace, and balance that meditation can bring you. Redirecting your attention to something peaceful can help you unwind and manage stress. You can learn to keep your focus and maintain inner serenity by practising meditation.
These advantages continue even after your meditation session is over. Your day will go more smoothly if you practise meditation. Additionally, meditation may help you control the symptoms of particular medical disorders.
Research suggests that meditation may help people manage symptoms of conditions such as:
· Anxiety
· Asthma
· Chronic pain
· Depression
· Heart disease
· High blood pressure
· Irritable bowel syndrome
· Sleep problems
· Tension headaches
Here are some ways you can practice meditation on your own, whenever you choose:
Breathe deeply: This technique is good for beginners because breathing is a natural function.
Focus all your attention on your breathing. Concentrate on feeling and listening as you inhale and exhale through your nostrils. Breathe deeply and slowly. When your attention wanders, gently return your focus to your breathing.
Scan your body: When using this technique, focus attention on different parts of your body. Become aware of your body's various sensations, whether that's pain, tension, warmth or relaxation.
Combine body scanning with breathing exercises and imagine breathing heat or relaxation into and out of different parts of your body.
Repeat a mantra: You can create your own mantra, whether it's religious or secular. Examples of religious mantras include the Jesus Prayer in the Christian tradition, the holy name of God in Judaism, or the om mantra of Hinduism, Buddhism and other Eastern religions.
Walk and meditate. Combining a walk with meditation is an efficient and healthy way to relax. You can use this technique anywhere you're walking, such as in a tranquil forest, on a city sidewalk or at the mall.
Brain Structures and Neuroplasticity
Through neuroplasticity, mindful meditation can alter the brain's structure physically.
This gaining in popularity idea speaks to the brain's capacity to continuously restructure and evolve throughout the course of your lifetime. Major influences on the brain include behaviour and way of life. Your brain therefore continually forms new neural connections as a result of your experience. That's because neurones (nerve cells) actively adapt to your environment's changes.
Brain cells reorganise themselves as a result of dynamic adaptation by building new pathways. These brain structures are affected by your thoughts and emotions. You can effectively alter the "physique," or shape, of your brain by repeatedly using the muscle of attentive attention. Additionally, it doesn't take too long.
According to studies, your brain can change in shape, with an increase in grey matter volume, in just eight weeks. The majority of the neuronal cell bodies in your brain are found in the grey matter of your central nervous system. This kind of tissue plays a crucial role in the regions of the brain that regulate movement, sensory perception, emotion, memory, decision-making, and self-control.
You can change the density of grey matter while also creating and strengthening new and stronger connections between neurones thanks to neuroplasticity. In a few minutes a day, you can significantly alter your brain.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The author and publisher make no guarantees or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided in this article, and any reliance on the information is strictly at your own risk. You can find our full Disclaimer here.