The Importance of Mindful Meditation: The Reasons Why You Should Start Meditating Now

The Importance of Mindful Meditation: Reasons Why You Should Start Meditating Now

Learn how mindful meditation aids in cancer patient recovery

Meditation Is Not A Joke

Dr. Shyamali Singhal, a surgical oncologist, understands that at first glance, meditation may have a funny buzz to it, or at least it doesn’t sound really serious. We are expected to just sit in a quiet room and listen to a recording of a gong or bells ringing for a couple of hours at a time… And somehow, sitting there inside our own heads for so long is supposed to improve our lives? That’s how we often tend to view meditation. But, the concept of meditation, though a little funny-sounding at first, is actually based not just in a huge amount of history, but also in real-life science.

Appreciating The Benefits Of Meditation

So, if we’re asking ourselves whether or not we should start meditating, the simple answer is, “Of course, now!” Many of us think of trying meditation, but it can be hard to know where to begin. Dr. Shyamali Singhal appreciates the benefits meditation can have on a cancer patient. tart meditating, feel better, reduce stress, and enjoy life a little more. While we might want to try meditation, it can sometimes be difficult to find the time, to be able to sit still or to keep the mind from racing. We know that stress is a major contributor to almost every ailment imaginable, from thyroid disorders and diabetes to digestive issues. But it’s often difficult for people to commit to a stress-reduction practice like meditation, likely in part because stress-reduction can seem vague and hard to define compared with changing your diet, supplement, or exercise routine.

But when you look at the research, meditation as a form of stress-reduction has actually been studied in many randomized clinical trials that show concrete, measurable benefits. And the best part is that you can reap most of these benefits in just 10-20 minutes per day!

Meditation Reduces Stress & Anxiety

The main benefit one always hears about when talking about meditation is that it reduces stress and anxiety, so it’s not exactly new to mention it here. And yes, there are plenty of studies that demonstrate a verifiable reduction in clinical depression, anxiety, and panic episodes. Meditation effectively relieves the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and episodes of panic. Prolonged meditation can keep those symptoms at bay in the long term.                                                                                                           Meditation can actually change the physical makeup of our brain. Meditation literally changes the neuroplasticity of the brain and the physical way it sends signals, as well as physically reducing density in the areas of the brain responsible for stress and anxiety.

Resilience To Stress

Meditation also increases stress resilience. When we are able to switch off the sympathetic nervous system, responsible for the fight or flight response, and trigger the parasympathetic nervous system on a regular basis, we are training our bodies to rapidly recover from the impact of stress. Over time the brain learns how to stabilize the autonomic nervous system in everyday life without having to switch into the fight or flight response when faced with challenges or demands. By observing their own mind, cancer patients can realize that they don't have to be a slave to the situation before them. Meditation is quite simply mental hygiene: Clear out the junk, tune your talents, and get in touch with yourself. 

Keeping The Right Perspective

Once we get to know our mind, we can start to own or life and become more authentic, maybe even humble. Cancer patients reported realizing that the stories and constant inner narrative our mind puts us through, aren't as important as they once held them to be. It seems that patients can gain some perspective on things with the help of meditating. Maybe they realize most of us are caught up in a mind-drama and become more compassionate towards others.

And... the more someone meditates, the more they seem to benefit.

Meditation improves sociability. Taking time out for yourself is really important but for us to live a full rich life, we need meaningful connections with others. Nervousness, anxiety and feeling down or disorientated can play a big role in not wanting to hang out with people. Meditation increases our ability to get out there and connect with others as a result of feeling more connected to ourselves and clearer and more confident about what is happening inside us.

Meditation And Creativity

Certain meditation techniques boost our ability to think creatively by having a long-lasting effect on cognition and how we process new ideas. It doesn’t matter whether we’re an experienced meditation guru or a complete novice—it works the same, regardless. Meditation can be very helpful for boosting productivity and improving focus. One study shows that meditating for just 10 minutes per day can improve focus and help the brain become more efficient at processing conflicting stimuli. Dr. Singhal always encourages cancer patients to do whatever may help in their overall sense of well being. Feeling comfortable in our own body is also important. Try out our Alra Non-Metallic Deodorant as a part of your body care routine.