The Physical, Psychological, & Social Benefits of Meditation

Jackie Stewart meditating outside

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


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.” 


Are you a daydreamer or a fidgeter? Find your meditation personality.

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.

 
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How To Navigate the World as an Empath, According to a Therapist