4 Benefits of Meditating

JANUARY 4, 2022

1. Increase Energy
2. Boost Immune Function
3. Reduce Stress Levels
4. Increase Intuition

Everyone's heard of meditating, but what are the real benefits? Sure, relaxation, we always hear, maybe stress relief, but immune boosting and enhancing energy? Yes, these are possible and more.

Let's start with the first one...

1. Increasing Energy Levels. Folks are always asking me ways to increase their energy levels. Sometimes, reaching for an energy drink or grabbing a cup of coffee might not be the most beneficial choice if you're trying to increase your health and longevity. Especially, if you are someone who is immune compromised or not functioning at full capacity for whatever reason.

Another way to increase energy levels can be through the quiet act of meditation and the best part is it can be done just about anywhere at anytime with no cost and there is no sugar crash after. Sitting still mindfully focusing on our breath actually allows us to build our energy levels.

By simply choosing to remove ourselves from the ordinary daily stresses of life and stepping back to enjoy the moment for at least 3 minutes of our day can increase not only our energy levels but has profound effects on our body chemistry.

When our attention is constantly focused on our outer world, it can be exhausting. If we take the necessary time for a little self care and turn our attention inward, the benefits we have the potential of reaching far outweigh any other demands in our environment.

2. Boost Immune Function. Yes, in meditation, our breathing slows, some meditations include focused breathing. When we slow our breath, it switches our brain chemistry. It also changes the signaling from the heart to the brain.

It decreases stress hormones and according to Gregg Braden, author, scientist and educator, when we are in a state of meditation, for 3 minutes feeling either gratitude, appreciation, care or compassion, and are aware of our heart, it creates changes in our internal environment.

When we allow our awareness to shift to our inner world, slowing our breath changes the signaling of the brain. Our brains release very powerful substances of healing, regeneration, and rejuvenation. Levels of DHEA increase by 100% in the body! Being a precursor hormone, it plays an important role in the production of many hormones. Associated with anti-aging and bone density, to name a few, decreased levels of DHEA are associated with a higher chance of death.

3. Reduce Stress Levels. When we take a moment from our stressful lives to resist the temptation of always being engaged, we are able to reduce the stress hormones associated with inflammation and disease. If we are in a constant state of fight or flight, our bodies do not have the down time for healing and regeneration.

And if we do not sleep as much as our bodies require and then resort to drug induced sleep, we are impairing our bodies ability to rejuvenate and repair itself, even more. So these glimpses of moments gathered for our own personal benefit become more and more important not only for our personal growth, but for our well being.

Especially if we have others relying on us. How can we be expected to give our all when we are not even functioning at full capacity? We cannot give what we do not have. So, if you are one of those people that is always putting others first, by putting yourself first allows you to give the most.

4. Increase Intuition. And the last but definitely not the least benefit of meditating is the possibility of opening up your intuition. Of unlocking doorways in your mind that you never even knew existed because you never took the time to explore. When we turn our attention away from our phones, iPads, tv, computer screens and look within ourselves, what we might find is beyond creativity and intuition, it's the portal to infinite possibilities.

Even if you still think you don't have time for a 3 minute daily practice, you can start with very small mindful moments when you just stop and make yourself aware of your breath and aware of the present moment, even if it's only for 10 seconds, we all need to start somewhere...

Bright Blessings from the North East Kingdom <3