I was sitting here thinking of all the different types of benefits meditation had to offer and found myself coming up with quite a list. I’ve spent the last few months researching the studies done about meditation and haven’t ran out of interesting surprises yet. But sharing at least 6 benefits meditation can present is an excellent start, considering how important these findings can be!

Lets get right to them!

Meditation appears to promote brain growth. A study conducted a few years ago took high definition MRI’s of subject that had meditated for approximately 20 years. What they found was evidence of brain growth that appeared to correlate with the time the subjects had been practicing meditation. There was greater gyrification (ridges and valleys) to the outside layer of the brain, hence more cell structure.

The ability to concentrate has been shown to increase with the use of meditation. Another study just last year investigated meditation and its effects on concentration. One group of three were given a stress test before and after meditation. This group, unfamiliar with meditation, were recorded completing tasks during the stress test. After the same subjects were introduced and practiced meditation for eight weeks, the were given the stress test again. They found that after this group had studied meditation, they stayed on task much longer and did considerably less switching back and forth.

This same study also looked at stress levels of the individuals before and after learning meditation. They gave the participants a self evaluating stress level test and found that the subjects consistently reported feeling lower levels of stress after practicing meditation.

Again, from this same study, an increase in memory was recorded. The subjects were assessed on their ability to recall the tasks they performed for the stress test. Those that had meditated showed an increase ability to correctly recollect the tasks. The group that received no meditation and then received it also had an increased ability to recall the tasks after meditation.

Meditation also appears to be a viable treatment for high blood pressure. Those who meditate have shown to have the ability to actually slow down their heart rate, which in turn, can lower blood pressure.

I have personally found an ability to connect with myself. I know this isn’t backed by science, but from my own practice, I have gained a better understanding of me. Meditation is time I can take for myself, all by myself. After practicing, it amazes me what I see from meditation. The only way to truly understand what it is, you have practice meditation for yourself.

Only listing 6 benefits meditation has for those that practice it was simple. The hardest part was only choosing 6. And as time goes by, I’m sure more benefits will be popping up, making the list longer!