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The term meditation is taken from the Latin words meditari and mederi, which means ‘to think, to dwell upon’ and ‘to heal’, respectively. It is also derived from the Sanskrit term medha which means wisdom.
Meditation comes in different types, among which include: focusing on your own breath; clearing the mind, which enables your thoughts to float and wander into a state of consciousness at the same time push aside constant or bothersome thoughts; and saying a mantra and focusing on an object. Physical techniques may also be incorporated in meditation to ease the mind through breathing and body coordination. These include yoga, Tai Chi or Qi Gong.
It is important for you to spend time meditating. Having a moment of privacy and silence, as suggested in meditation, can bring about a lot of benefits for your health. In fact, numerous studies show that meditation comes with powerful healing properties. Regular meditation helps stabilize the brain. This is because when you meditate, the brain significantly alters to a state of consciousness, which is important in fighting stress or the feeling of being burned out.
Meditation also improves concentration, creativity and sense of awareness. Meditation boosts self-esteem as well. Research show that those who meditate regularly are less likely to experience anxiety, have greater creativity and problem solving skills as well as better interpersonal relationships. When you meditate, you exude a warm and positive aura to other people, making them gravitate towards you.
Meditation is good for the heart as well. Because meditating reduces heart rate, it can help lower or maintain ideal blood pressure. In fact, this has been proven in several studies, which shows significant systolic reductions in persons with hypertension. Some studies also suggest that meditation, when combined with other relaxation methods can have more positive results. Meditation, when performed with physical techniques, can also help prevent the onset of cardiovascular diseases.
In addition, meditation can do wonders for your skin as well. It increases your galvanic skin response, which is your skin’s electrical resistance. Although an increase in GSR only lasts a short while, this development helps lower or prevent anxiety. Meditation also improves blood circulation essential for promoting healthy skin.
Another benefit of meditation is improvement of gastrointestinal function. Deep breathing, which is associated with meditation helps ease and relax stomach muscles thus regulating bowel movement. Meditation also boosts endocrine function, in which it has been found to reduce levels of cortisol, epinephrine and lactate in the body. An increase of these blood chemicals can lead to anxiety and tension.
Meditation also promotes proper posture, thus getting rid of muscular tension. Meditation with exercise involves movement, posture and proper breathing that increase muscle flexibility and mobility. These exercises strengthen the muscles, ligament and spine for a strong and flexible body.
Meditating for even just a short five minutes before you start your day can boost your energy levels needed throughout the day. Meditation is excellent for managing stress, in which you prepare yourself for your everyday responsibilities, thus preventing you from being warped up of its stresses.
By regularly taking time to meditate, you can experience these benefits and even more.
