We all know that our mental and physical health are closely intertwined. But what can we do to ensure that our brains stay healthy and functioning optimally? Recent research has revealed a powerful connection between meditation and brain health. Through mindfulness and other meditation practices, studies have shown that meditators can effectively reverse the tendency to decline and, in fact, increase their brain cells and gray matter. A review study conducted last year at Johns Hopkins looked at the relationship between mindfulness meditation and its ability to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and pain.
This study also suggests that meditation may help alleviate anxiety symptoms, although only in combination with other treatments. Studies have confirmed the cognitive and emotional benefits of meditation for schoolchildren, but it's likely that more work will need to be done before it becomes more widely accepted. In addition to meditation, it's important to provide the brain with adequate nutrition and a sufficient blood supply through regular exercise. A follow-up study by Lazar's team found that, after meditation training, changes in areas of the brain related to mood and arousal were also related to improvements in the way participants said they felt.
Some researchers have warned that meditation can cause adverse effects under certain circumstances (known as the “dark night phenomenon”), but for most people, especially if you have a good teacher, meditation is beneficial, rather than harmful. When you can fully focus on the present and train yourself to do so consistently, the structure of your brain actually changes. They found that the group of SKY practitioners had a significantly higher mental concentration, indicated by an EEG, a brain wave pattern called beta, than the control group made up of doctors and researchers, and they also had an increase in alpha waves that are in the slow and relaxing meditative state. And even when the mind begins to wander, due to the new connections that form, meditators are better at getting out of it. Meditation is an effective tool for improving mental health and overall wellbeing.
It can help reduce stress levels, improve concentration, increase self-awareness, and even repair brain cells. Educators and researchers have shown a growing interest in bringing meditation and yoga to school-age children, who are dealing with common stressors within school and often with additional stress and trauma outside of school. In conclusion, meditation is a powerful tool for improving mental health and overall wellbeing. However, it's important to remember that it should be used in combination with other treatments such as exercise and nutrition for optimal results.
