Calm your brain through meditation.

For centuries meditation has been practised as a means of finding inner peace and spiritual growth. I always associated meditation with monks, hippies a sort of peace, love and organic vibe. However, I am now learning that the recent advancements in neuroscience have shed light on the scientific benefits of meditation, making it even more relevant in today’s fast paced and stressful world.

Firstly, meditation calms the amygdala which is responsible for our emotions related to fear and stress. In the modern world, filled with constant stressors like war, economic crises and the ever-changing presence of AI, our brains often find themselves in a state of “high alert” This heighten state leads to an increase in the productions of the stress hormones like cortisol, adrenalin and nor-adrenaline, which can have negative effects on our mental and physical health. Stress has become an almost unavoidable aspect of modern life, affecting our mental and physical well-being. Fortunately, meditation offers a powerful antidote to stress. Engaging in mindfulness and focused breathing during meditation triggers the body’s relaxation response, lowering cortisol levels and promoting a sense of tranquillity. As a result, individuals who meditate regularly often experience reduced stress, better emotional regulation and improved over-all well-being.

But what I find even more exciting is that meditation actually enhances Neuro-plasticity, which is the brains ability to form new connections and reorganise itself, so we can re-wire our brain.

As we age, the brains cortex starts to shrink, leading to memory problems and difficulties in decision-making. However, studies have shown that meditation can actually increase neuroplasticity, promoting a healthier and more resilient brain.

Meditation does not have to be daunting, even for beginners. If I can do it, anyone can. I find myself meditating in the car, in the bath and sitting up in my bed.

Starting with just a few minutes a day can make a significant difference. Here are a few simple techniques to get started:

1. Find a quiet and comfortable space where you will not be disturbed.
2. Set a timer for 3 minutes to start with (I use my phone), gradually increasing the duration as you become more comfortable
3. Close your eyes and take deep breaths, focussing your attention on the sensation of your breath entering and leaving your body.
4. As thoughts come into your mind, acknowledge them without judgement and gently let them go, returning your focus to your breath.
5. Consider using a guided meditation app to help you get started. They provide step-by-step instructions and can be a valuable aid for beginners – actually I still use various apps.

So lets all be kind to our brains and enjoy each day, be mindful and embrace the profound benefits that meditation can bring to your life. Your mind will thank you for it!