Science-Backed Benefits Of Meditation Practices For All Ages

The earliest record of meditation dates back roughly 1500 years BCE, when it appears to have been a vital part of early Hindu schools. Today, people of all ages have adopted a meditation practice to reduce stress, manage anxiety, and be more present. Just like other alternative therapies, like the practice of yoga, meditation isn’t just hype: science backs many of the benefits it has to offer.

Anxiety Management

One significant benefit of practicing meditation is managing and reducing anxiety. Anxiety disorders are the most common of mental illnesses, which has led researchers to seek out a means of treatment that is natural, as well as applicable and accessible to all, especially because anxiety has also been increasing among children and teens as a result of social media use. The brains of younger age groups are still developing, which makes natural treatments great for families that include youngsters. Practicing a meditation routine, particularly a variety known as mindful meditation, has been found to reduce daily anxiety levels. Practicing a meditation routine as a family is also an excellent means of quality time, which improves general well-being. What’s more is that mindful meditation has also been shown to help with mental conditions like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, paranoia and phobias, as illustrated in the Anatomy of the Mind psychoanalytic model by the EOC Institute.

Top Tool to Help Manage Your Anxiety

For a bit of extra help with anxiety management, try using a weighted blanket. This is a proven method of reducing anxiety for all ages. The Natural Health Supports™ Weighted Blanket helps to ground the body during sleep by gently pushing it downwards - a process known as 'earthing' or 'grounding' that reduces nighttime levels of stress hormone, cortisol.

This clinically-trialed blanket replicated Deep Pressure Touch (DPT) therapy where firm, hands-on pressure is applied to the body to reduce high levels of anxiety - encouraging a healthier, deeper sleep.

Stress Reduction

Along with anxiety, day to day incidents or ongoing issues can lead to high stress levels, especially in our modern digital age. Normally, both physical and mental stress cause an increase in the hormone called cortisol, which is responsible for many of the harmful side effects that stress is known to cause, like sleep disturbances, anxiety and high blood pressure. Remember, for kids and teens, these things can manifest differently, like in the form of nightmares or changes in behaviour. Reducing stress is one of the most popular reasons for implementing a meditation routine. In one 8-week study, practicing mindful meditation did more than just reduce stress levels; it was found to reduce the inflammation response caused by stress as well, further proving that what’s good for the mind is also good for the body.

Top Tool to Help Reduce Stress

Reducing stress levels is never an easy task, so don't be ashamed to look for extra help if it's needed. Technology like the Beurer ST100 Stress Relief and Relaxation Device use the latest in sensory technology to manage stress levels. This stress reliever uses heat, light and vibration therapy to relax and calm you. It features regular, natural and conscious breathing exercises to reduce your personal stress levels and help you achieve total relaxation.

Overall Improved Emotional/Mental Health

Just as meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety, it can also improve your overall sense of well-being and emotional health, no matter your age or the age of your loved ones. A controlled study compared the brain activity among participants who practiced meditation and those who did not, and found that the individuals that meditated had measurable changes in brain activity in areas corresponding to positivity and optimism.

Clearly, meditation is more than just a new-age practice; it has the potential to help you build a healthier mind, which in turn helps your physical health, and the prosperity of your life in its entirety. Maintaining an ongoing meditation routine will ensure these positive changes are long term, so make meditation and mindfulness part of your everyday healthy lifestyle for the whole family.