You've heard it's good for your mental wellbeing, but now research shows meditation is also good for your physical wellbeing, improving both the physical and emotional responses to stress.
Stress reduction could be the key to meditation's beneficial effect on the immune system. Stress is a contributor to many diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, depression, common illnesses, even chronic pain and some doctors believe that stress and mood affect almost all illnesses.
Pick a Focal Point
The process of meditation is relatively simple. You simply close your eyes and begin to focus on your breath, a bodily sensation or a phrase or mantra. Thoughts and feelings arise, and while you acknowledge them, you try not to make judgments about them. And all the while, you return your attention to your chosen focal point.
We don't yet know exactly what happens in the meditating brain and how it affects the immune system, but in one study at the University of Wisconsin in the US, researchers saw increased electrical activity in regions of the left frontal lobe, an area that tends to be more active in optimistic people, after eight weeks of training in meditation.
Another study at the University of California suggests that the process of meditation – the continuous focusing and refocusing of the mind away from distractions, helps to increase brain connectivity. This in turn helps with greater ability to remain focused on tasks.
Other studies have shown decreased activity in the amygdala – the part of the brain associated with fear and stress.
Relaxation the Key
Meditation elicits the "relaxation response", a state of deep relaxation. By narrowing your focus, shutting out the external world and stilling the body, the mind and body, it seems, are able to rest fully.
Find a meditation teacher in your local area.
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