7 Benefits Of Meditation and Mindfulness

Lowers Cortisol Levels

Studies have shown that mindfulness meditation helps to control the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in our bloodstream. Consequently, we feel a greater degree of peace and calm. Given the increasing levels of stress we’re all experiencing these days, meditation helps to reduce anxiety, depression and stress. One meditation for this is an anxiety meditation. 

Improves Heart Health

Cardiovascular disease (aka “Cushing’s syndrome”) and hypertension are typically caused by elevated cortisol levels. Studies have indicated that meditation helps to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing cortisol levels. Some of the benefits of meditation on the heart include lower blood pressure, stronger heart muscle tissue and lower cardiovascular mortality.

Lowers Blood Pressure

In a paper by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the NIH said that meditation produced “meaningful reductions in blood pressure” and may produce “clinically significant reductions in…blood pressure.” Studies indicated that lower blood pressure was a side effect of lower cortisol. With over 47% of Americans suffering from hypertension, meditation may be a natural way to help lower their blood pressure naturally without medication.

Improves Serotonin Levels

Serotonin is a chemical that your cells produce that acts like a natural antidepressant. When you meditate, you increase your serotonin levels, and this acts like a mood stabilizer or enhancer. This is similar to when you feel better after exercising, since your body is producing mood-improving chemicals. It’s similar to the “natural high” you often get during running, i.e. the “runner’s high.”

Eases Depression Symptoms

According to a study done by Harvard Medical School, a regular meditation practice can help you better manage stress and anxiety that can trigger depression. In turn, depression can lead to higher risks of heart disease, severe illness and memory loss. 

Meditation has been shown to change certain brain regions specifically linked with depression. These include the prefrontal cortex (“me center” where you worry) and the amygdala (“fear center” with the fight-or-flight response). Meditation helps break the link between these two regions and reduces symptoms of depression by ignoring negative sensations of fear and worry or stress and anxiety. 

Reduces Anxiety

Have you ever been in a stressful situation and found yourself getting tense with your breath shallow and hard? Then perhaps you try to calm yourself down by taking a deep breath. This is essentially a breath meditation that can lead to a mindfulness meditation. It helps to reduce anxiety and relieve stress, according to a Harvard Medical School study.

Helps Cope With Stress

Meditation helps to bring a sense of calm to our body and mind. As a result, our adrenaline and nervous system can take a break. We’re not on the hamster wheel constantly spinning and going nowhere. We can unplug and allow our body and mind to refresh.

I hope this article has helped you understand the benefits of meditation. If you’re interested in exploring different meditations, I have several available for free here. If you’d like to explore ways to improve your meditation and have a guided meditation to practice along with, then I have a YouTube video you can watch here. 

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