A single one-hour meditation session can do wonders for your heart, study shows

( Natural News ) As the years go by, more people struggle with anxiety and stress – two “mental monsters” that can significantly affect the well-being of millions every day. In some cases, these mental burdens can even affect our physical health. To address this concern, a team of researchers studied how a “ single, hour-long meditation session ” can help individuals manage their anxiety and stress. Based on data from the study, one session of mindful meditation can help undo the physical and mental side effects of stress on the body. Mindfulness refers to “ the ability to be fully present , aware of where we are and what we’re doing.” While on paper this seems like an easy task when a person is anxious or stressed, it can be hard not to be overwhelmed by our daily worries. In the last 10 years, both meditation and mindfulness have become crucial in helping individuals live healthier lives. Meditation and mindfulness are now key to lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease and other conditions that can worsen due to stress. While earlier studies concerning anxiety and meditation have revealed notable reductions in anxiety levels after weeks of meditation, this study implies that even a single meditation session can help lower anxiety and even an individual’s cardiovascular risk. Dr. John Durocher, assistant professor of physiology in the department of biological sciences at Michigan Technological University (MTU), and Hannah Marti, a recent graduate of MTU, spearheaded the research. The researchers measured the anxiety of 14 participants with a system called the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) before and after the individuals joined a 60-minute introductory mindful meditation session. The scientists discovered that meditation had noteworthy effects on both the physical and mental symptoms of anxiety. The individuals who took part in the […]

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