Two Months of Meditation Is All You Need to Improve Brain Power

Here's how to do it.

Take two minutes to read, explore, and reflect. By Wendy Rose Gould & Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Top of Mind Two Months of Meditation Is All You Need to Improve Brain Power   The link between meditation and our overall health has been clearly established. We know that it can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, curb depression, and even alleviate insomnia. Physically speaking, meditation has been tied to lower blood pressure, reduced cortisol production, and better oxygen flow.   Now, a new study focused on studying the cognitive benefits of meditation has discovered that a mere eight weeks of consistent meditation can improve our brain efficiency. Specifically, it can help speed up the switch from a wandering mind to a focused one.   The study was led by longtime practitioner George Weinschenk, PhD and involved 10 participants who meditated five times a week for 10 to 15 minutes. They also kept a journal during their practice. In order to gather empirical evidence, the participants underwent an fMRI scan at the beginning and the end of their two-month meditation journey.   Though a small study, it further substantiates previous findings of improved cognitive function from consistent meditation. Additional, similar studies are being planned that involve more participants and longer follow-up periods. Some will even focus on certain demographics, such as elderly adults.     Any activity which requires faster responsiveness could benefit... Responding to emergencies or even simply learning to listen to each other in real time as the need arises.  — GEORGE WEINSCHENK, PH.D  What This Means For You Consistent meditation is particularly rewarding and beneficial. If you're a "sometimes meditator" or new to the art, consider making your practice more of a routine habit. It might help to include it as part of your morning, afternoon, or evening ritual. You can even set a notification to help remind you to pencil in those 10 to 15 minutes.     On the Bright Side Ways to Stay Positive This Week What's Inspiring Us If you prefer a guided meditation, consider using a meditation app such as Headspace, Calm, or Simple Habit. Each has their own approach to meditation, so poke around to determine which one resonates most with you.  Products to Help You Feel Your Best You can meditate anywhere and anytime, but sometimes it helps to have a designated spot that allows to rest comfortably. A meditation mat, like this simple option from LotusCrafts, can help motivate you and even improve your practice. Creating a ritual around your meditation practice can help it become more routine. For example, you could begin and end your practice with the beautiful sound of an authentic Koshi Chime. Read These Next How Meditation Impacts Your Mind and Body READ NOW 6 Ways to Fit Your Meditation Practice Into Your Day READ NOW The 7 Best Meditation Retreats READ NOW Spread the Light Share the newsletter with someone you know to make their day a little brighter. SHARE We're open to suggestions! If you have any feedback about this newsletter, let us know at feedback@verywell.com.     You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Healthy Mind newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here!   A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2021 Verywellmind.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy