~ The Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation ~
“Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally. This kind of attention nurtures greater awareness, clarity, and acceptance of the present-moment reality.”
– Jon Kabat-Zinn
– Jon Kabat-Zinn
Curious about the benefits of mindfulness meditation and what it can do for you?
Look no further. In this reflection, I summarize the main ones.
The popularity of mindfulness meditation has skyrocketed in recent years. There are now magazines, books, websites, apps, TV programs, and countless articles – all dedicated to the subject. Movie stars swear by it, football players and athletes practice it, business leaders use it to prevent burnout, and monks and nuns still practice it the same way they have done for thousands for years.
According to a 2017 federal government survey, 14 percent of Americans said they had practiced meditation at least once in the previous year – a dramatic increase from 2012 when it was only four percent. Worldwide, it is estimated that 200 – 500 million people practice some form of meditation.
So what precisely are the benefits of mindfulness meditation?
A recent article on the Positive Psychology website documented 23 that have been scientifically-proven, grouped into five main categories:
What’s more, is that you don’t have to meditate for years to see these improvements. Although a regular meditation practice is necessary, some people experience benefits in as little as six to eight weeks of meditating for 15 – 20 minutes every day.
Even being mindful in your daily, routine activities, such as brushing your teeth, taking a shower, and washing the dishes can help to calm and relax the mind.
Speaking personally, I have no doubt that my mindfulness meditation practice contributes significantly to my health and wellbeing. As someone who has experienced anxiety and depression, I can attest to its effectiveness.
With so many powerful healing benefits, why not try it out for yourself? It’s free, there’s nothing to lose, and you may find yourself feeling better about yourself and your life.
Next month, I’ll look at how to start and maintain a regular mindfulness meditation practice in your own home.
Look no further. In this reflection, I summarize the main ones.
The popularity of mindfulness meditation has skyrocketed in recent years. There are now magazines, books, websites, apps, TV programs, and countless articles – all dedicated to the subject. Movie stars swear by it, football players and athletes practice it, business leaders use it to prevent burnout, and monks and nuns still practice it the same way they have done for thousands for years.
According to a 2017 federal government survey, 14 percent of Americans said they had practiced meditation at least once in the previous year – a dramatic increase from 2012 when it was only four percent. Worldwide, it is estimated that 200 – 500 million people practice some form of meditation.
So what precisely are the benefits of mindfulness meditation?
A recent article on the Positive Psychology website documented 23 that have been scientifically-proven, grouped into five main categories:
- Decreased stress, including lower anxiety, experiences of being calm and internally still, greater awareness, increased attention and focus, feeling connected with others, increased clarity in thinking and perception, higher brain functioning, increased immune function, lower blood pressure, and lower heart rate.
- Enhanced ability to cope with illness, especially cancer and other chronic or potentially terminal conditions. This is true for those with an illness as well as for their caregivers. In particular, studies have shown an improved quality of life, a decreased focus on pain, less worry and rumination, an increased ability to function independently among patients, and decreased stress, anxiety and depression among caregivers.
- Facilitating recovery from cancer, especially among breast cancer survivors; including greater self-kindness and post-traumatic growth.
- Decreased symptoms of depression by enhancing the ability to step back from intense negative emotions, identify them and accept them instead of fighting them or trying to get rid of them. This allows practitioners to better regulate their emotions, leading to better coping and management of depression.
- Improved general health, including improved cardiovascular health, more physical activity, a healthier body mass index (BMI), and lower blood pressure.
What’s more, is that you don’t have to meditate for years to see these improvements. Although a regular meditation practice is necessary, some people experience benefits in as little as six to eight weeks of meditating for 15 – 20 minutes every day.
Even being mindful in your daily, routine activities, such as brushing your teeth, taking a shower, and washing the dishes can help to calm and relax the mind.
Speaking personally, I have no doubt that my mindfulness meditation practice contributes significantly to my health and wellbeing. As someone who has experienced anxiety and depression, I can attest to its effectiveness.
With so many powerful healing benefits, why not try it out for yourself? It’s free, there’s nothing to lose, and you may find yourself feeling better about yourself and your life.
Next month, I’ll look at how to start and maintain a regular mindfulness meditation practice in your own home.