5 Powerful Reasons to Start Meditating Today

Are you a regular meditator? Would you like to be?

Meditation is one of those very simple, very easy and very powerful practices that can improve just about every aspect of your health.

Today, we're exploring five reasons why you should consider making meditation a part of your daily routine.

Reason #1 It's Good for Your Heart

Meditation can improve your cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and increasing heart rate variability (HRV). It achieves this by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which counteracts the stress response and promotes relaxation. This leads to decreased cortisol levels and improved blood flow, contributing to overall heart health and potentially reducing mortality risks in older patients with high blood pressure.

Reason #2 It Helps Reduce Inflammation

Regular meditation practice has been shown to decrease inflammatory markers in the body, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases. This anti-inflammatory effect is likely due to meditation's ability to reduce stress and cortisol levels. When we meditate, we activate the body's relaxation response, which can lead to decreased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Reason #3 It Improves Sleep

Meditation can enhance sleep quality by calming the mind and reducing anxiety that often interferes with falling asleep. The practice helps to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and prepares the body for rest. By focusing on the present moment and letting go of racing thoughts, meditation can help quiet the mind before bedtime.

Reason #4 It Enhances Attention and Memory

Practicing meditation can improve cognitive functions such as attention span and memory retention. This is achieved through several mechanisms, including strengthening the prefrontal cortex, increasing gray matter density in brain regions associated with learning and memory, and enhancing cognitive flexibility.

Reason #5 It Uplifts Your Mood

Meditation is effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, promoting overall emotional well-being. This mood-enhancing effect is due to several factors, including regulating the amygdala, increasing the production of feel-good neurotransmitters, and cultivating mindfulness, which allows for improved emotional regulation and resilience.

Incorporating meditation into your daily routine doesn't have to be complicated. Start with just a few minutes each day, find a quiet space, and focus on your breath. As you become more comfortable with the practice, you can gradually increase the duration and explore different meditation techniques.

Add one or more of these into your routine and you will experience profound benefits. We'd love to know which one you implement.

These are simple enough that you can get started right away.

With love and great health

Dr Lucy and Dr Mary XX

Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy are the founders of Real Life Medicine. They help women who have been on every diet under the sun, optimise their health and achieve long lasting weight loss without feeling miserable or deprived.

They do this with their 3 step framework that

• Improves metabolism
• Develops mindset skills
• Provides tools to implement it easily into busy lives

With this comes increased energy, vitality and confidence.

You can avoid chronic disease and stop living life on the sidelines!