Meditation is an ancient practice - which has gained popularity among young people in the last two decades
Meditation is one of the best ways to keep your mind calm – regulate your moods and thoughts and get an uninterrupted sleep. Those who meditate regularly swear by it – but many are often sceptical, thinking it is just another wellness fad. However, research says meditation is among the best ways to train your brain.
Apart from making you calmer and sharper, scientific studies have also proven it improves your quality of life by creating structural changes in your brain.
What does daily meditation do to your brain?
Meditation is an ancient practice – which has gained popularity among young people in the last two decades. Its positive effects include:
Increases grey matter
According to experts, if you meditate daily – even for 10-15 minutes – you will notice an increase in grey matter in your brain – especially in the areas like learning, memory, and concentration. It also helps regulate emotions.
Strengthens the cortex
Regular meditation increases the thickness of the prefrontal cortex, which is associated with higher-order brain functions like situational awareness and decision-making skills. According to experts, it also improves neural connectivity and cognitive functions.
Boost happy hormones
Meditating daily in the morning for a few minutes can help in the release of dopamine and serotonin – neurotransmitters, or positive chemical messengers which regulate functions like sleep, growth, and metabolism. Both of these chemicals also play an important role in maintaining your emotional equilibrium by making you feel positive and happy.
Lower stress
Regular meditation helps lower cortisol production – thereby reducing stress hormones which are responsible for the fight-or-flight response.
How to meditate?
According to experts, to meditate, you need to first start by making it a daily part of your routine and preferably do it in the morning when your mind is fresh. Here is how you can make it a daily habit:
- Begin with just a few minutes daily, like five minutes in the first week, and slowly work your way up to longer sessions.
- While meditation should be done in the morning, you can also meditate during your lunch break or before bed. However, it is important to be consistent to help form a habit.
- Make sure to choose a place where you can sit comfortably and will not be interrupted.
- Set a proper ambiance for your meditation session – dim the lights, light a scented candle, and play soft music to inspire you.
- Set a clear goal for your practice before you begin meditating – like stress reduction or increasing focus and concentration.
- Always make sure to focus on your breathing techniques so that your mind does not wander away.
- After you are done, take a few minutes to ponder over your time spent meditating and how you felt about it.
- You can always give yourself feedback about the meditation session by writing down your feelings in a journal.
