Meditation to Reduce Stress – What You Need to Know

Stress is very damaging and can contribute to a host of chronic illnesses. That is why managing and reducing stress should be a priority for all of us.

Meditation is a very effective way to reduce stress!

Meditation can be a powerful tool for managing stress because it helps to calm the mind and reduce the physiological responses associated with stress. Here are some of how meditation can help to manage stress:

Meditation works so well that researchers at Harvard are leading a five-year study on how the ancient practice of yoga and meditation affects genes and brain activity in the chronically stressed.

Researchers at Harvard Medical School discovered that in long-term practitioners of relaxation methods such as yoga and meditation, far more “disease-fighting genes” were active than those who practiced no form of relaxation.

Here are just a few of the benefits of daily meditation:

1. Reducing cortisol levels: Cortisol is a hormone released in response to stress. Meditation can reduce cortisol levels in the body, which can help to reduce the physical symptoms of stress.
2. Lowering blood pressure: Meditation can also help to lower blood pressure, which is often elevated during periods of stress.
3. Increasing feelings of relaxation: Meditation can promote a sense of relaxation in the body, which can help counteract the tension and anxiety associated with stress.
4. Enhancing mindfulness: Mindfulness is being present at the moment and observing one’s thoughts and feelings without judgment. Through meditation, individuals can improve their mindfulness, which can help them to better manage stress by becoming more aware of their reactions to stress and choosing how to respond.
5. Improving emotional regulation: Meditation can also improve emotional regulation by increasing the activity in the prefrontal cortex, which is part of the brain responsible for regulating emotions.

Overall, by practicing meditation regularly, individuals can develop the ability to manage stress more effectively and cultivate a greater sense of calm and resilience in the face of challenging situations.

If you are struggling with managing stress, Nava Health can help. As an integrative medical provider, we feature holistic therapies that directly combat stress, such as acupuncture, massage, and IV therapy. 

Schedule with us today!

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