
Meditation is a practice that has been used for thousands of years to promote physical and mental well-being. Scientific research has shown that meditation can have a number of benefits for both the body and the mind.
One of the main benefits of meditation is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Studies have found that regular meditation can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body, as well as decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression. This is thought to be due to the fact that meditation can help to regulate the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the “fight or flight” response to stress.
Meditation can also have positive effects on physical health. Research has shown that it can lower blood pressure, improve immune function, and reduce chronic pain. Additionally, meditation can be beneficial for individuals with insomnia, helping them to fall asleep faster and improve their sleep quality.
Meditation can also have cognitive benefits. Studies have found that it can increase focus and attention, improve memory and learning, and even increase gray matter density in certain areas of the brain. This is thought to be due to the fact that meditation can help to regulate the default mode network in the brain, which is responsible for mind-wandering and self-referential thoughts.
Overall, meditation has a wide range of scientifically proven benefits that can improve both physical and mental well-being. It’s important to note that most of the research on meditation has been conducted on a specific form of meditation called mindfulness meditation, which focus on the present moment and observe thoughts without judgement. More studies is needed to confirm the effects and benefits of different forms of meditation and how they affect the brain and body.
How it is practised
Mindfulness practice can be a great way to relieve stress. But learning it requires a bit of practice. here are some steps:

It can be practised in any type of environment. But it has to be a place where you are uninterrupted. It can be a silent part of your home or a library. Choose a peaceful place where you can focus mainly on your thoughts and feelings.
- Wear comfortable clothing.
You don't have to overwhelm yourself by meditating for an hour from the beginning as it can be tiring and won't be as efficient.
- Settle your mind and breathe
- Let your thoughts wander as you breathe and observe yourself, your breathing, your thoughts before getting your attention back to breathing.
- Don't stress on not being distracted or holding your thoughts as you breathe.
- Remember that it is completely normal to have various thoughts and emotions.
Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation
Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation
Fear
After 8 weeks of mindfulness meditation. MRI scans have shown that the amygdala which is the center of brain's "Fight or Flight" appears to shrink. As it shrinks the pre- frontal cortex which is associated with higher order brain functions such as awareness and decision-making becomes thicker.

Reduced pain
When researchers study mindfulness experts experiencing pain, Advanced meditators report feeling less pain as compared to an average individual.