Many times people believe meditation is a religious activity but in an actual sense meditation is a state of mind that does not have to be associated with religion.
This can be achieved by following certain techniques, for example, the use of isochronic tones and binaural beats.
Other techniques of meditation include concentration, hypnosis and some religious practices that may involve use of drugs. No matter what technique you may employ, the benefits are usually the same. Meditation is used in counselling and is often called Meditation Therapy.
Here are some of the benefits of meditation Meditation is generally good for your mind and your body so the benefits are centered around these two.
Increases blood flow to your brain Because most of the activity during meditation is done by the brain, blood flow increases to it and this ensures your brain works even better with a steady flow of blood. This in turn is going to literally expand your brain which will increase your intelligence, increase memory, self control, self awareness and alertness.
Builds your immune system Meditation works to reduce the production of cortisol which is a hormone associated with stress. Stress usually works to lower your body’s immunity and also causes high blood pressure and speeds up ageing. So with the reduction in cortisol you are less stressed, more immune, have a normal blood pressure and look younger.
Increases Serotonin and Dopamine These two neurotransmitters are responsible for controlling your mood; low levels of serotonin will cause depression.
By meditating you will be happier and your brain’s ability to handle different day to day activities becomes more efficient. Meditation will also increase neuroplasticity which makes your brain more organized and boosts your ability to learn.
Helps your body repair itself While you meditate, your body is in a state similar to that of deep sleep which is necessary for body repair. Meditation helps your muscles relax and relieves tensions caused by stress, so they repair themselves and energize the body.
Makes us self-aware The more you meditate, the more you begin to understand yourself and become comfortable with yourself.
A deeper state of meditation will help you detach yourself from the everyday life and dive deeper into self consciousness and well being which makes you much calmer, dynamic and less reactive. This in turn will strengthen your relationships with other people, because when you understand yourself, you can understand and relate to other people better.
You become more social Through meditation we lose certain insecurities. You will become less shy. In addition, you learn to listen more, which makes people like having you around as most people love good listeners.
BDST: 1613 HRS, JULY 28, 2015
Edited by: Sharmina Islam, Lifestyle Editor
