Scientific Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation

The science demonstrates that being present in the moment and practicing mindfulness meditation can make you healthier, happier, less anxious, and more in control of your life.

If you still think mindfulness meditation is junk science, we have the benefit of a significant body of scientific data demonstrating its effectiveness.

A professor at the University of Massachusetts named Jon Kabat-Zinn, demonstrated through research that mindfulness improves both physical and mental health. It helps relieve stress, treat heart disease, improve sleep, self-esteem, and increases one's capacity to deal with difficult life events.

At Harvard Medical School a neuroscientist and assistant professor of psychology, Dr. Sara Lazar, was the first to document positive changes in brain regions connected to memory, the sense of self, and the regulation of emotions as a result of mindfulness meditation.

A central tenet of mindfulness is being present in the moment without judgment and without being overwhelmed by what is happening around you. Research has demonstrated that learning to pay attention to your life as it unfolds in the present moment and accepting what comes without judgment, can improve your mood, free you to feel happier, decrease anxiety, emotional reactivity, and job-related stress and burnout. Some studies even proved that mindfulness meditation can reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and extend lifespan.

These proven benefits are why many universities and Fortune 500 companies and even the US army, have incorporated mindfulness meditation into their health and wellness programs.

It is also the reason why many famous people like LeBron James, Oprah Winfrey, Lady Gaga, the late Steve Jobs, Paul McCartney, and renowned lawyer, Jerry Blackwell, all practice some form of mindfulness meditation.

These benefits of mindfulness meditation can be yours too. With a few simple steps, you can launch your meditation practice. Consistency in setting aside a few minutes at the start of each day is key to establishing a habit that can make all the difference in your life. Even when you feel short on time, creating space for just five minutes to center yourself can make all the difference between a day in which you continue to feel harried and harassed, and one you go into commanding peace and calm no matter what it brings.