5 Benefits of Meditation (from someone who struggles with focus!)
Meditation is an ancient practice that has been around for thousands of years, with historians believing it has been around since 3000 BC! For years it’s been used as a spiritual tool, and to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. In recent years, meditation has gained popularity with hundreds of meditations available on apps and streaming platforms.
Here are some of the biggest benefits:
1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Many of us have busy lives, juggling multiple responsibilities, such as work, family, and social obligations. I don’t know many women who haven’t suffered with stress and/or anxiety, especially through the Covid years! Meditation can help to reduce these feelings by promoting relaxation and calming the mind. Studies have shown that regular meditation can lower cortisol levels, and meditation increases the production of theta and alpha waves, associated with improved cognitive function!
2. Improves Sleep
SIGN. ME. UP. If, like me, you’ve struggled in recent years with perimenopausal symptoms, and/or children waking you up at night, you might just be desperate for better rest! Meditation can help to improve the quality of sleep by promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels. Meditation has become part of my bedtime routine (yes, I have one for myself as well as the boy). I find it helps me to wind down and I’m often asleep well before I’ve finished the meditation. Often if I wake at night, a basic meditation or breathing exercise helps me to drift back off.
3. Boosts Emotional Well-being
Another perimenopause symptom for me was experiencing (even more) mood swings. I can be irritable, tearful, and feel under confident and fragile, and this can be several times a month! Meditation can help me feel more emotionally well, promoting a sense of calm and inner peace. It’s definitely helped me take more time out of what can be a hectic schedule, and helped me to feel more positive.
4. Enhances Cognitive Function
That perimenopause again… who’s with me on the brain fog? Lack of focus, and things just falling out of my head (argh the pain of being mid training session and forgetting what you’re talking about!). Or as scientists would call it, a decline in cognitive function. Meditation has been shown to enhance cognitive function by improving focus and attention via those brain waves I mentioned earlier. Now, where did I leave my keys??
5. Improves Physical Health
In addition to the mental health benefits, meditation can also improve physical health, for some of the reasons outlined already – taking time out, reducing stress, and promoting relaxation. Lovely!
In addition, meditation has been shown to lower blood pressure and improve immune function.
If you want to learn more about meditation, look out for my free meditation series, coming soon to my newsletter subscribers! Sign up here: https://shineontribe.ck.page/50ae8b0b57
