Meditation. Burnout series -Post 9

Meditation (Dhyana) High levels of stress can cause numerous negative effects to our health. One simple and free way to reduce stress is to Meditate. Meditation is a way of relaxing the body and quietening in the mind. To simply be, not judge or think. To be aware, calm and living life one moment at a time. Meditation has numerous physical and emotional health benefits. Meditation plays a part in virtually all religions although some don't use the word 'meditation' to describe their particular meditative or contemplative practice. However meditation does not always have a religious element. It is a natural part of the human experience and is increasingly used as a therapy for promoting good health and boosting the immune system. Anyone who has looked at beautiful painting or a stunning sunset and felt awe and calm, while their mind clears and their perception expands, has had a taste of meditation. Physical benefits of Meditation can be a reduction in cholesterol levels, blood pressure and heart rate. The muscles relax which can reduce chronic pain. Breathing becomes softer, deeper and more effective and this allows the body to use less energy and oxygen to travel further. All of these physical benefits increase our body’s energy levels which positively affects our daily attitudes. Meditation is also very useful to patients with medical conditions, especially if they can be worsened by stress. Conditions such as allergies, autoimmune conditions, anxiety disorders, asthma, and insomnia can all be improved by relaxing the mind with meditation. Emotional Benefits: Many benefits arise from meditation such as greater creativity, decreased anxiety, decreased depression, improved concentration, increased emotional stability and much more. Meditation teaches individual discipline and allows the individual to focus on the present. When the mind is clear, individuals increase their self-awareness and can gain a new perspective on stressful situations. This reduces negative emotions and allows individuals to build skills on managing their stress levels. With a calm and clear state of mind, stressful situations can be diffused and approached with rationale and composure. Neuroscientists have found that meditation shifts the brain activity to different areas of the cortex. This means that brain waves in the frontal cortex, which are more stress prone, move to the calmer left frontal cortex. This shift results in the reduction of stress, anxiety, depression and fear. It has recently been discovered that meditation has proved to increase the thickness of certain regions in the brain correlated to attention and emotion. The implication of cortical thickening can result in increased awareness of internal sensations and improved integration of emotion. All of which may improve how stressful events are handled. Meditation creates the ability of gaining more control over the mind which can be geared toward improving relationships between family and friends. It can build confidence and create the ability to control negative thoughts, anger or fear. Being able to gently control the mind can be the key to living a happier and healthier life.