Meditation for Mental Health

History of Meditation and the Science Behind the Brain Benefits

Meditation has existed for thousands of years. Many people mistakenly believe that they have to be religious to access the benefits of meditation and mindfulness. However, this is simply not true. Scientists have recently spent significant time studying the benefits of actual substantive chemical brain changes that occur in people who simply spend ten minutes a day in mindful meditation. 

This is great news for the nearly 20 million Americans who suffer from anxiety and depression. It is also great news because it is a completely natural way to change how your brain perceives reality without having to take pharmaceuticals. However, we certainly believe that many do, in fact, need pharmaceutical intervention. We also find that meditation supports those taking the path of medication and those trying to find alternative routes to a sense of emotional and mental well-being. 

Harvard Medicine has a growing interest in the practice of mindfulness and meditation and outlines much of their ongoing observations and research in the Harvard Gazette. Psychology Today discusses the ongoing connection between the body and the mind and the use of meditation for both mental and physical health. The Mayo Clinic espouses meditation to reduce stress and promote mental health. Even the National Institute of Health is looking at meditation as a means to address mental health. 

Common Misconceptions about Meditation

These renowned institutions are not shaving their heads, doing yoga while standing on their heads, and finding God. What they are finding is; ten minutes a day to focus on their breath,  declutter and unpack the mind and see that the results of this practice are – well – mind-blowing – in a good way. 

Why Meditation?

The number one reason to try meditation is that it does not require money, insurance, expensive psychologists, or prior training and is accessible to all. It does not require that you shave your head, become a yogi, a Buddhist, a nun, a monk, or some other erstwhile saintly way of life. It simply requires a commitment to be open to trying something new that, while it may feel a bit silly and awkward initially, has been shown in numerous scientific studies to help millions of people. 

How can one meditate? Let me count the ways….

There is a common misconception that it has to be in a quiet space, on a yoga mat, and free from distractions. I talked to one person who shared that when they are stressed at work, they go to the bathroom, close the stall door, set a ten-minute timer on their phone, close their eyes and focus on their breath till the alarm goes off. Another person who cannot sleep can go to youtube and search for sleep meditation and hit play, climb into bed, turn off the lights, and breathe themselves into a calmer state. Another person shared that they meditate in the shower every morning and have added chants to their meditation. Other people share that they use both paid and free apps to do a guided meditation on their commute to and from work. Even companies like Peloton have added meditation to their en suite of services. Meditation works, it has caught fire, and there are no boundaries to keep you from it. There are no doctor’s office copays, insurance premiums, yoga studios, trips to Asia to study under zen masters – Just you, ten minutes, and your breath.

The bottom line is that you don’t have to be religious, spiritual, or even enlightened to make positive changes in your brain by breathing, chanting or spending ten minutes a day in silence. You, your mind, your body, and your mental well-being are WORTH it. Give it a try.