10 Health Benefits of Meditation and How to Focus on Mindfulness

Meditation is no longer just for monks. Science has proven what yogis have known for centuries: Meditation heals. Here are the top 10 health benefits of adding mindfulness to your daily routine.

1. Reduces Stress

Meditation lowers cortisol levels, the body's stress hormone.

2. Controls Anxiety

Regular practice reduces symptoms of anxiety disorders, including phobias and social anxiety.

3. Promotes Emotional Health

It can lead to an improved self-image and a more positive outlook on life.

4. Enhances Self-Awareness

Meditation helps you develop a stronger understanding of yourself.

5. Lengthens Attention Span

Focused attention meditation is like weight lifting for your attention span.

6. May Reduce Age-Related Memory Loss

Improvements in attention and clarity of thinking may help keep your mind young.

7. Can Generate Kindness

Metta, or loving-kindness meditation, increases positivity and empathy toward others.

8. May Reduce Addictions

The mental discipline you can develop through meditation may help you break dependencies.

9. Improves Sleep

Meditation helps you relax your body and release tension, helping you fall asleep faster.

10. Helps Control Pain

Meditation can diminish the perception of pain in the brain.