The Physical, Psychological, & Social Benefits of Meditation
Even if you’ve never practiced meditation before, you’ve surely heard of its physical and psychological benefits. But what you might not know is how it’s also hugely beneficial in a social sense; meditation can create a sense of community and connection within us towards others, increasing feelings of empathy, compassion, and more. Alo Moves instructor and meditation expert Jackie Stewart says, “Studies have shown that practicing mindfulness, even for just a few weeks, can bring a variety of physical, psychological, and social benefits.”
Read on to learn the multitude of mind and body benefits that come with a regular meditation practice.
The Physical Benefits of Meditation
Potential to induce our relaxation response and calm the body by lowering our heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension. A review published in the journal Hormone Molecular Biology and Clinical Investigation concluded that several different types of meditation can lower blood pressure.
Boosts your immune system. Research published in Annals of the New York Academy of Science has found a link between mindfulness meditation and “markers of inflammation, cell-mediated immunity, and biological aging.”
Improves sleep. Researchers found meditation to be a “viable treatment for adults with chronic insomnia.”
Helps control physical pain. A meta-analysis of studies with over 3,500 total participants concluded that meditation showed “moderate evidence” of lowering pain.
The Psychological Benefits of Meditation
Improves focus and memory and may reduce age-related memory loss.
Hones your attention skills. In a study of subjects aged 18-45 who were new to meditation, practicing a daily guided meditation for 13 minutes for 8 weeks enhanced their memory and attention skills.
Controls anxiety. A group of participants that suffered from General Anxiety Disorder underwent 8 weeks of a mindfulness program which resulted in “significantly” lower levels of anxiety.
Creates clear decision-making.
May help you manage addictions. A study showed that within a group of participants who struggled with alcohol addiction, those who took part in regular meditation had less alcohol use and cravings, stress, and psychological distress.
Builds resilience.
Increases positive emotions, improves depression and negative thoughts.
Lowers stress levels, or increases the ability to cope with stress in a more manageable way.
Enhances self-awareness. Meditation is about spending time with the intimacy of your thoughts, promoting a process that allows you to know yourself better.
The Social Benefits of Meditation
Creates a greater capacity for empathy and promotes compassion, especially metta meditation. A meta-analysis of studies researching kindness-based meditation, like metta meditation, showed that those who practiced it were able to increase positive emotions as well as their compassion for themselves and others.
Increases altruism, which makes it more likely for us to help people, someone in need, or the ability to take on an understanding of the perspective of another person. In a study, participants who practice an online meditation session were 2.61 times more likely to donate than those in a control group.
Fosters a feeling of connection and greater satisfaction with our relationships.
As you further (or begin!) your meditation journey, Jackie reminds us that “It’s important to remember that this is a practice and it’s not about perfection. The more consistently we practice, over time, it will feel more comfortable.”
Enjoy the benefits of meditation with Jackie Stewart’s 14-Day Meditation Habit. Try it for free today with your 14-day trial to Alo Moves.
