Benefits of Meditation

By Kreg Weiss, B HKin • June 6th, 2006 • 4047 Views

Research has revealed that a regular meditation practice can improve psychological and physiological well-being. As one meditates, the brainwave pattern is brought into an alpha state, a level of consciousness that encourages the rejuvenation and healing of the mind and body. This article outlines the psychological and physiological benefits of meditation.

Physiological Benefits of Meditation
* decreases stress resulting in lower levels of cortisol and lactate
* decreases muscle tension and headaches (as with PMS)
* promotes a more restful state (lowers heart rate, lowers body's core temperature, decreases high blood pressure, and decreases metabolic rate) 

* decreases cholesterol levels
* improves respiratory function and decreases respiratory rate
* enhances immune system
* increases the production of serotonin-low levels of serotonin are connected with insomnia, depression, obesity, and headaches
* reduces level of free radicals
* promotes pain management especially for women during childbirth

Psychological Benefits of Meditation
* decreases stress
* decreases depression and irritability
* decreases anxiety
* promotes greater creativity
* improves memory and learning ability
* improves ability to focus and concentrate
* leads to increased self-actualization, self-confidence and self-acceptance
* leads to increased emotional stability
* promotes increased levels happiness and contentment in life
* discovery of personal and spiritual growth

Kreg Weiss is a co-founder of My Yoga Onlineand certified Hatha Yoga Teacher. Several years ago, Kreg discovered yoga while teaching health and fitness. Yoga dramatically transformed Kreg's approach to teaching health and wellness as well as changed his personal life bringing new direction in finding physical, mental, and spiritual growth.

Tweet

Location:  Montreal, CA

Kreg is a certified Hatha Yoga Teacher and Kinesiologist (exercise science).  All of his classes integrate a purposeful, meditative quality to allow for an experience of connection and reflection while the body explores expansion and renewal. Kreg acquired...