In simple terms…… meditation refers to different techniques that help you manage your thoughts, emotions, thinking patterns and your reactions to stressful situations. Making meditation a daily part of your health and fitness program has been proven to expand your wellness and improve your overall health. Below are some of the benefits that are associated with Mediation.
Physical benefits of Meditation:
• Meditation decreases the metabolic rate and it can lower the heart rate……this is the same as when you are in a state of deep rest and relaxation. In this state your cells rejuvenate and regenerate just as they would while you are sleeping throughout the night, the only difference is you are receiving this benefit in a shorter time frame.
• It also reduces stress and how it does that is when you focus on the breathe….. Your breathing will become slower…and when we are stressed we release a chemical known as cortisol which is an acid and it is released into your blood stream. Now when we breathe at a slower rate that acid will reduce in our bloodstream and we become better oxygenated and when this occurs it causes our stress to lower and this in turn will it will lower your blood pressure.
• Now if you are asthmatic, I want you to know that Meditation has also been known to lower oxygen consumption making breathing easier for the person with asthma or other lung conditions.
• It can enhance your energy, strength, athletic ability. It just makes physical activity easier so if your someone that struggles with cardio vascular activity like myself than this can be very beneficial for you.
• It harmonizes your endocrine system thereby normalizing your weight, or helping you with weight loss. And for those of you that struggle with this issue meditation is a simple step to add to your weight loss program.
• And one more physical beneficial factor that I thought was very interesting and that is that meditation is said to slow down the aging process. Now I don’t know about you but if someone told me I could slow down the aging process I would be the first in line to jump on that band wagon.
Psychological Benefits:
• Meditation increases the coherence of brain wave patterns which suggests that it can improve creativity and learning and can actually changes the way the brain works. Now if you introduce meditation to your children you will start to notice their school work improving and clarity in their decision making and improves memory.
• Helps to reduce your dependency on drugs, pharmaceuticals, smoking and alcohol consumption
• It also helps to decrease anxiety, depression, irritability and moodiness
• Increases the feeling of happiness and contentment
• Increases emotional stability and a more balanced personalitly.
• This would be a great activity to incorporate into your family and have a family meditation night. We could all benefit from quality time spent together.
Spiritual Benefits:
• Meditation allows you to achieve a deeper level of spiritual relaxation and a deeper relationship with your divine source.
• Deeper understanding of yourself and others, and a deeper capacity for love.
• Changes your attitude and outlook on life, Can help you find your purpose in life.
• Helps you to live in the present moment while not thinking of the past or future. Discovering the power and consciousness beyond the ego.
