Here is an excerpt from a Psychology Today article written by Emma M. Seppälä Ph.D.
The author begins by describing her what she felt was an “out-of-control” life while she lives in Manhattan where it seemed she was at the mercy of a chaotic external environment. She began mindfulness only because it gave her a sense of having control over something – her own mind. When she began to experience the benefits – becoming healthier, happier and more successful, she decided to devote her PhD research at Stanford to studying the impact of meditation. Over time she saw people from diverse backgrounds – from college students to combat veterans benefit.
From the results of her studies, here are 20 benefits of mindfulness that have been scientifically proven:
It Boosts Your HEALTH
1 – Increases immune function
2 – Decreases Pain
3 – Decreases Inflammation at the Cellular Level
It Boosts Your HAPPINESS
4 – Increases Positive Emotion
5 – Decreases Depression
6 – Decreases Anxiety
7 – Decreases Stress
It Boosts Your SOCIAL LIFE
Think meditation is a solitary activity? It may be (unless you meditate in a group which many do!) but it actually increases your sense of connection to others:
8 – Increases social connection & emotional intelligence
9 – Makes you more compassionate
10 – Makes you feel less lonely
It Boosts Your Self-Control
11 – Improves your ability to regulate your emotions (Ever flown off the handle or not been able to quiet your mind? Here’s the key)
12 – Improves your ability to introspect
It Changes Your BRAIN (for the better)
13 – Increases grey matter
14 – Increases volume in areas related to emotion regulation, positive emotions & self-control
15 – Increases cortical thickness in areas related to paying attention
It Improves Your Productivity (yup, by doing nothing)
16 – Increases your focus & attention
17 – Improves your ability to multitask
18 – Improves your memory
19 – Improves your ability to be creative & think outside the box
- It Makes You WISE(R)
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