Top Health News This Week: Study Reveals the Surprising Benefits of Meditation
Meditation has been a part of human culture for thousands of years, but only recently has it gained mainstream acceptance as a powerful tool for physical and mental health. This week, a new study sheds light on the surprising benefits of this ancient practice.
The Study
The study, published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, analyzed data from nearly 2,000 participants over a five-year period. Participants were assigned to one of three groups: those who practiced meditation, those who practiced exercise, and those who did neither.
The results were striking. Participants who meditated regularly had a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all-cause mortality compared to those who did not meditate. Surprisingly, there was no significant difference between the exercise group and the group that did not exercise.
The Benefits of Meditation
The researchers speculate that meditation may offer unique benefits beyond those of exercise or other healthy lifestyle habits. Meditation has been shown to reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and enhance cognitive function. These effects may help explain the observed benefits on health outcomes.
But what exactly is meditation, and how does it work? Put simply, meditation is a practice that involves focusing the mind on a particular object or sensation, such as the breath or a mantra. By practicing this focus, we can train the mind to become more aware of our thoughts and feelings, and to cultivate a greater sense of calm and wellbeing.
How to Get Started
If you are interested in trying meditation for yourself, there are many resources available to help you get started. There are countless books, apps, and websites dedicated to the practice of meditation, and many communities that offer regular group meditation sessions.
One popular method of meditation is mindfulness meditation, which involves focusing the mind on the present moment and cultivating a non-judgmental awareness of one’s thoughts and feelings. This practice has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance cognitive function.
Conclusion
The new study on the benefits of meditation provides further evidence of the potential benefits of this ancient practice. Whether you are looking to improve your physical health, reduce stress, or cultivate a greater sense of wellbeing, meditation may be a powerful tool to consider. So why not give it a try? Who knows what surprising benefits it may hold for you.
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