As a mindfulness technique that can be traced back to Hindu traditions from the year 1500 BCE, meditation has steadily increased in popularity since the 19th century. In fact, many people attribute it to enlightenment and self-realisation whilst it holds religious connotations for others. Here at The Healthy Living and Fitness, we are always looking at the different ways that our clients can improve their health and wellbeing. Read on as we go over some of the benefits that can be gained from meditating…
Relaxation and Stress Relief
When we get stressed, the body releases a hormone called cortisol and this causes the harmful side-effects that many chronically stressed people suffer from such as headaches, fatigue, poor quality of sleep and a depressive mood. Since meditation aims to promote mindfulness, one study of 3,500 adults reported increased relaxation levels for the majority of participants. After all, taking the time to ‘stop thinking’ everyday can do a lot for a busy mind.
Reduces Anxiety and Depression
There are many mental health conditions that can be exacerbated by stress, including anxiety and depression. As a result, many people who utilise meditation in order to reduce stress also tend to see an improvement in their mood too. This is because meditation teaches people to stop overthinking and the relaxation benefits that come along with this can have a direct impact on these conditions as they are often made worse by increased cortisol levels.
Improves Quality of Sleep
When we are stressed, we tend to hold unnecessary tension without even releasing it and this can have consequences for our sleep. After all, a lot of aches and pains can be attributed to increased cortisol levels. By taking the time to meditate before bed, many people have found that the relaxing aspect of the practice can improve sleep quality and promote longer, deeper and more effective rest.
Many people tend to approach ailments of the body and mind by relying on medication. Whilst there is no doubt that visiting the doctor from time to time is important, other approaches can also be incredibly effective too, such as meditation. After all, there is a reason why it has been used for thousands of years. To find out more information, get in contact with a member of The Healthy Living and Fitness team today!