I want to share 10 scientifically proven benefits of meditation with you! The practice of meditation is mentioned in written form as far back as 1500 BC. Modern science is finally discovering the benefits of mindfulness for mental health.
MINDFULNESS FOR MENTAL HEALTH IS A THING!
YOUR BRAIN ON MEDITATION
Meditation is a tool that allows us to cultivate a sense of ease, peace, & freedom inherent in our inner selves
And science has found evidence that the benefits change our brain structure & function!
I think you’ll agree that with physical exercise, the more often you work out, the more benefits you’ll see. The same is true with your brain on meditation!
In fact, long-term practitioners of meditation have altered the structure and function of their brains!
In a good way, by increasing neuroplasticity!
MEDITATION AND NEUROPLASTICITY
What is neuroplasticity, anyway?
Does it have to do with how many times I’ve mistyped ‘meditation’ or the odds that you find a typo in this post?
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to adapt.
There are many different mechanisms of neuroplasticity ranging from the growth of new connections to the creation of new neurons.
That’s a mouthful for saying that we’re exercising our neurons for optimal brain function!
Similar to exercise stretching & using our muscles, meditation stretches & uses our neurons in new ways.
EXACTLY WHAT WE NEED
Meditation and neuroplasticity for the win!
MINDFULNESS FOR MENTAL HEALTH
Let’s look specifically at the benefits of mindfulness for mental health.
For our purposes here, Mindfulness = meditation.
Mindfulness is defined technically as nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment, which provides an opportunity to acknowledge & accept difficult physical & emotional sensations.
10 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Meditation
MEDITATION HELPS WITH DEPRESSION
MEDITATION REDUCES STRESS
MEDITATION HELPS INCREASE SELF ESTEEM
MEDITATION HELPS DECREASE CONSPICUOUS CONSUMPTION AKA SHOPPING
My husband is all in for this benefit of mindfulness based cognitive therapy aka meditation!
That is not my husband but I have no gif of him.
MEDITATION HELPS WITH ANXIETY
….things like flying, medical tests, scary books, scary rides, worrying, exams, social interaction w/ tough crowds, & spiders. (For the record, Louie does not mind spiders. I thought arachnophobia was a good example.)
Meditation is an effective tool to help experience negative emotions without analyzing or ruminating on them.
This gives us more control over our thoughts and therefore, feelings.
MEDITATION DECREASES BRAIN ATROPHY
MEDITATION HELPS INCREASE ATTENTION SPAN
These base jumpers must have a high attention span. Read more about why we like to be scared here!
MEDITATION HELPS WITH INSOMNIA
MEDITATION CAN MAKE YOU MORE EMPATHETIC
MEDITATION CAN INCREASE COGNITION
MEDITATION CAN REDUCE PAIN PERCEPTION
It may be that I've listed 11 scientifically proven benefits of meditation! Be it 10 or 11, there are science-backed benefits of mindfulness for mental health.
Mindfulness can help you learn how to be present & appreciate the simple pleasures of everyday life, reconnect with yourself, & experience life in the moment.
Mindfulness can help you interrupt the automatic connection between negative mood & negative thinking. (Like me thinking that these photos don’t line up, instead of thinking that they’re peaceful.)
YOUR BRAIN ON MEDITATION WILL THANK YOU
RIGHT NOW: Pick up your head and brighten your gaze. Look at the world!
Do you meditate?
If not, and you’d like ideas or direction about the next steps for incorporating mindfulness based cognitive therapy into your day, subscribe below ! You can also shoot me an email on my contact page! I’ll send some resources your way.
I’d love to increase my attention span! You’ve convinced me. Thanks so much.
I’d venture to say that we can all use a little help at times w/ our attention span. Thanks for stopping by!
I don’t meditate but who couldn’t use more gray matter? I really wouldn’t have thought meditation affects our neural networks. Thanks for sharing this intriguing research.
The studies I found were a pleasant surprise to me, too. You’re welcome! I appreciate you stopping by.
Excellent posts. I always enjoy your posts but this one I NEED. Thank you. I am a convert and will start today!!!
Perfect! I’m happy to help! Thanks so much, Eva.
All of this makes me want to do this; and actually put some time into trying it out! I think I’m in a much better physical and mental space to give meditation a go now; thanks for this!
You’re welcome, Molly! New habits can be difficult to start and maintain, but it only takes 10 minutes a day. Thank you.
It is so good that something so simple can make a big difference to your life. Thank you for sharing.
Lauren x
For me, meditation is easier than going to the gym! Thanks so much!
I’ve never had much luck with meditation as my brain is hyperactive and can’t tolerate not being stimulated. Sometimes it can also cause me to have a psychotic episode. However, you’ve peaked my interest in looking into it again
I’m sorry to hear about your bad luck w/ meditation. Let me know if you have any improvements if you look into it once more. Thanks!
WOW, so interesting, I don’t meditate, but you have convinced me to try!!!
I’m happy that you found my posting interesting. I’ll be curious to hear what you think about meditation! Thanks.
So many great benefits to mediation! I will have to try to do it more often! Thanks for sharing all this important info!
Ah, so you practice meditation already! Excellent. Yes, do try more often. Thanks so much!
this is such a interesting post, thank you so much for sharing with us. I’ve heard great things about meditation but have never done it myself – maybe I should start. It sounds like it has great benefits! Great post Xo
elle – ellegracedeveson.com
Why not give it a try! Thanks, Elle.
Excellent post. I meditate although not as often as I should or want to! This has definitely prompted me to prioritize meditation as much as I prioritize Yoga!
I also prioritize yoga over meditation, but my research has me practicing more regularly again! Like minds, Jenny! Thank you.
I love meditating. I have been doing it on and off for 2 years and the benefits are amazing! It has helped alleviate my anxiety and allowed me to become more mindful as a Mum and with other people in general. Thank you for sharing.
Jade MumLifeAndMe
That’s fantastic! Thanks so much for sharing your experience with meditation!
To be honest, I’ve been skeptical about meditation ever since I’ve heard of it. It shouldn’t hurt to try. Thanks for sharing
That’s true, you have nothing to lose, unlike base jumping! ha! Thanks for stopping by.
Great information about the benefits of meditation Sue! I’m going to give it a try! Thanks for sharing.
I’m gratified that you found my post informative! Yes, give meditation a go. Let me know what you think. Thanks, Jodie!
GREAT post! Meditation is wonderful for the entire being, and I don’t practice it enough. Thank you for some important reminders. Be well. ✌️
Thank you for the kind words! Yes, do try to get back to your meditation practice. You be well, too.
Love this post! I’ve fallen out of practicing meditation, but I’m picking it back up again!
I fall off here and there w/ my meditation practice too. It’s a marathon not a sprint. We’ll both get there. Thanks, Liz!
Ooh I love this! I’ve never tried meditation before but I’d really love to give it a go at some point. I didn’t know it helped with conspicuous consumption which (as well as the mental benefits) is something I’ really benefit from, haha. Thank you so much for sharing x
Yes, I’m sitting beside you about the conspicuous consumption! Never fear, meditation to the rescue! Thanks so much!
I never knew these incredible benefits of meditation! Certainly something I need to add into my daily routine – I think I’d massively benefit from this so thank you for convincing me to give this another shot!
I’m gratified that you found my post convincing and edifying! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I observe many bloggers write about meditation 🧘♂️ of lately. But have never truly understand what is meditation or how to meditate. These are some great scientifically proven benefits of meditation. Seems since the pandemic I have been experiencing the wandering mind more frequently.
You are not alone w/ your mind wandering! Meditation is referred to as a practice because there’s no way we can ‘cure’ ourselves of this propensity to go forward in time and worry, or rehash the past and become anxious. We’ll all keep at it, right? Right! Thanks for taking the time to comment.
As someone who struggles with anxiety, I definitely meditate more when I’m feeling overly anxious, and it helps a lot! I’d love to increase my attention span though, seems like I have to keep at it. Great post xx
Melina | http://www.melinaelisa.com
How smart of you to meditate more when you’re anxious. I find it helps me, too. As far as attention span, I’m hopeful! Thanks.
Absolutely fascinating. There are more than enough scientifically-proven reasons to try meditation in this article. I find meditation reduces anxiety which, in turn, has many other health benefits. Great read.
I’m pleased that you found my article informative and fascinating! I agree, less anxiety is far a healthier state of being. Thank you!
I love everything about this post. I’m a huge fan of mindfulness, meditation and I’ve been on courses about neuroplasticity. Amazing post!
And I love your compliments! I’m a fan of mindfulness, too. I’d like to hear about your neuroplasticity coursework! You’ve piqued my interest. Thank you so much!
As always, the post is packed full of useful information and I love the layout!
I may overpack my posts with info so I’m happy that you like them! I use elementor. Thanks so much!
I always knew there are some benefits of meditation. But this is a very good list. Thanks
I’m glad you’re finding my post organized and useful! Thank you!
Great post! I’ve been watching that Wim Hoff TV show and they are getting some great benefits from meditation!
I haven’t seen that show. I’ll need to check it out. Thank you so much, Corinne!
Thank you for sharing this post regarding mindfulness. I honestly enjoy times with God in prayer and the Bible.
Pastor Natalie (ExamineThisMoment)
letstakeamoment.com
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and experiences!
Excellent article, Sue. One of your best, and that’s saying a lot.
Thank you, Amy!
Long living the peace
Peace to you