The Benefits of Meditation for Overall Wellness

Introduction – The Benefits of Meditation for Overall Wellness

People have been practising meditation for thousands of years, and many cultures and religions have recognised its benefits for overall wellness. In recent years, scientific research has also confirmed the positive effects of meditation on the body and mind. From reducing stress to improving sleep and boosting creativity, the benefits of meditation are numerous and diverse.

According to Muse and other websites, an estimated 200 – 500 million people meditate worldwide. A population of eight billion people equates to roughly 2 – 6% of the entire planet. The website The Good Body provides us with further statistics, stating that in the US, 14% of adults and 7% of children have tried meditating at least once. Women are twice as likely to meditate compared to men.

There are many different types of meditation around; we can practise these via an app, in a meditation group or from the comfort of our own living room.

Healthline lists nine popular types:

• mindfulness meditation
• spiritual meditation
• focused meditation
• movement meditation
• mantra meditation
• transcendental meditation
• progressive relaxation
• loving-kindness meditation
• visualisation meditation

I practice Vedic Meditation, where I meditate twice daily for 20 minutes. During the practice, I use the silent repetition of a mantra (a fluid, meaningless sound). The mantra was assigned to me by my teacher.

Vedic Meditation is a technique which allows you to easily and effortlessly settle down the mind to its least excited state, increasing brain function and releasing stress from the nervous system. (Cornwall Meditation Centre)

Check out this Vogue article or the ever-knowledgeable Thomas Knoles, to learn more about Vedic Meditation.

For the remainder of this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of meditation for overall wellness and why you should consider making it a part of your daily routine.

Benefits of Meditation

There are many benefits to meditation, which I will outline below. In 2012, participants in a US National Health survey gave the following reasons for meditating:

• General wellness (76.2%)
• Improving energy (60%)
• Aiding memory or concentration (50%)
• Anxiety (29.2%)
• Stress (21.6%)
• Depression (17.8%)

Reduces Stress

One of the most well-known benefits of meditation is its ability to reduce stress. Meditation helps you calm your mind and relax your body, reducing cortisol (the stress hormone) levels in your body. Reducing stress can improve your mood, lower your blood pressure, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

Improves Sleep

Meditation can also improve your sleep quality. When you meditate, you relax, which can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. This is because meditation helps to reduce the activity in the mind, making it easier to quiet your thoughts and drift off to sleep. Improved sleep quality can improve overall health, including a more robust immune system, improved memory, and better mood.

Boosts Creativity

Meditation can also help to boost creativity. When you meditate, you enter a state of heightened awareness and focus, which can help you access new ideas and insights. This is because meditation helps to quiet the mind and reduce distractions, allowing you to tap into your creative potential. Regularly meditating can increase your creativity and productivity, both at work and in your personal life.

Increases Self-Awareness

Meditation can also increase self-awareness, helping you better understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Observing your thoughts and feelings during meditation allows you to recognise patterns and habits that may hold you back. This increased self-awareness can help you to make positive changes in your life, improve your relationships, and increase your overall happiness and fulfilment.

Enhances Focus and Concentration

Finally, meditation can enhance your focus and concentration. Regularly meditating can train your mind to stay focused on the present moment, improving your ability to concentrate on tasks and be more productive. This increased focus can also help reduce anxiety and feeling overwhelmed, improving your overall well-being.

Conclusion – The Benefits of Meditation for Overall Wellness

In conclusion, the benefits of meditation for overall wellness are numerous and diverse. By reducing stress, improving sleep, boosting creativity, increasing self-awareness, and enhancing focus and concentration, meditation can help to improve your overall health and happiness.

If you are new to meditation, start practising for a few minutes each day and gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable. With consistent practice, you can reap the benefits of meditation and enjoy a happier, healthier life.

Want to try meditation but not sure where to start? Below are some links to get you started.

You benefit most from learning from an experienced teacher. So why not try out the London Meditation Centre if you’re in the big smoke, or for a calmer experience, learn in Cornwall with the Cornwall Meditation Centre?

If learning with a teacher seems too much like hard work, Calm, Headspace and Insight Matter are apps that can get you started on your meditation journey.

Finally, centres and institutions all over the country allow you to try meditation in the company of others. One example is the London Buddhist Centre.

Want to learn more about increasing Zen in your life? Life Organised is here to help, and we are happy to have an initial chat.