There can be much confusion when it comes to the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of engaging in such activities as yoga and meditation. Many people fail to make the connection between the physical and emotional aspects of this ancient practice. But utilizing only the physical techniques and exercises of this type of therapy limits its overall effectiveness and leaves the user with only a few of the many positive reverberations that can come from it.

In a world where we are focusing more and more on our physical health but seemingly ignoring our emotional and spiritual wellbeing, there is a greater need than ever to find methods of promoting both. With that in mind we decided to put together a small list of the numerous benefits and advantages of mediation, both to help those who may already be practicing it but not getting the most out of it, as well as those who may have never tried it. Here are just some of its many virtues:

Manages Anxiety and Reduces Stress

Who among us couldn’t use a little more of this in our daily lives? With the ever-increasing burdens being piled upon us every day by our bosses, friends, significant others, strangers, and even our children, the world seems to be becoming more demanding by the day. Finding even just a few minutes for meditation each morning or evening (or both) can make our lives significantly less stressful.

Aids in Sleep and Rest Cycles

Getting the proper amount of sleep each night is something that is crucial to having a productive and positive day. Recent studies have shown that up to 65% of adults suffer from some level of sleep deprivation and consistently fail to get enough rest. Meditation helps the user in this aspect by teaching them controlled breathing techniques, as well as how to calm one’s energy and how to wind down and relax internally upon command.

Increases Focus and Concentration

Many people, even adults, struggle with short attention spans and difficulty concentrating on a particular subject for longer periods of time. This can be caused by any number of things from excessive TV watching or internet browsing to mental health issues such as ADD or ADHD. Meditation provides techniques which help its practitioners learn to be in the moment for extended periods.

Improves Overall Emotional Health and Wellness

As we previously stated, the emotional and spiritual benefits of mediation are often overlooked or completely ignored all together by folks who simply don’t understand the countless offerings it can provide. From internal healing of old or new emotional scars to an increased empathy for others and greater awareness of the energies around us, this benefit is far too great to be neglected.

Improves Overall Physical Health and Wellness

While it’s true that most people who aren’t aware of the many other advantages of meditation are often familiar with its physical benefits, even they can still be ignorant of just how extensive they can be. Not only is it good for exercise, weight loss, balance, and strength, research has shown it may offer assistance in such areas as regulating blood pressure, increasing pain tolerance, and helping to relieve chronic sleep disorders.

Meet our Guest Blogger –  Morgan Taylor 

Morgan is a recent college graduate living in North Carolina. As a communications major, she enjoys writing and learning about health, productivity and fitness. When she isn’t writing about health and wellness she enjoys hiking, playing tennis, and cooking exciting new recipes