How Meditation can Improve Your Brain Health in Minutes
Meditation is an ancient tradition that has been practiced across the globe for centuries, and for good reason. It is often referred to as a type of mindfulness study, involving focusing the mind and attention within the present moment. There is a wide range of meditation techniques and processes, including visualization and mindful breathing. In recent times, research has offered new insights into how meditation affects our brains on a structural, functional, and cognitive level. Let’s take a look at what it says.
Structural changes
Some studies have revealed interesting changes in the volume and the density of grey matter within the brains of people who practice regular mindfulness. Our grey matter is the brain tissue that allows us to process information and make decisions.
Higher volumes of grey matter have been seen within the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, the areas of the brain responsible for self-control, planning, learning, and memory tasks.
Meditation and brain activity
Researchers have also used neuroimaging techniques like fMRI or functional magnetic resonance imaging techniques to study the brain activity of meditators across both the short and long term.
Scientists noted an increase in activity within the attentional control part of the brain known as the anterior cingulate cortex in those that consistently practice meditation.
Another piece of research found that the part of the brain associated with emotional processing, including our fear and anxiety response, the amygdala, showed a decreased level of activity, which leads us well onto our next point.
Emotion and cognition
These inherent structural changes and fluctuations in brain activity related to meditation help to explain why it has been linked to reduced levels of several mental and emotional health issues, and overall improved cognitive functioning.
Meditation is often cited as an excellent way to help us regulate our emotions, and science certainly backs that theory up.
For example, a comprehensive meta-analysis of almost 50 related studies concluded that mindfulness-based interventions were effective in reducing the symptoms of both anxiety and depression.
And don’t need to be a seasoned pro to take advantage of the many demonstrable benefits of meditation on your brain and brain health. Even short-term mindfulness exercises can have a noticeable effect on cognitive performance on a range of tasks that require continued attention.
So if you’re looking for ways to improve your brain health on a cellular level and in a way that benefits your emotional well-being, you can’t go wrong with meditation. If you’re new to the practice, start small and build up to making it a regular part of your routine for the greatest impact. You won’t regret it!