Just as we know that exercise is good for our physical health, many people are beginning to realize that meditation is good for our mental health. Just like regular exercise can help keep our body healthy and strong, meditation can help keep our mind healthy and strong. In this blog post, we will discuss the similarities between meditation and exercise, and how both of them can benefit our mental health!
Physical exercise versus meditation
One of the most obvious similarities between meditation and exercise is that they both require effort and discipline. In order to see results from either activity, we need to be consistent with our practice. Just as we wouldn’t expect to see results from going to the gym once a month, we also wouldn’t expect to see results from meditating once a month. In order to improve our mental health, we need to make meditation (or exercise) a regular part of our routine.
Exercise for the mind
Another similarity between meditation and exercise is that they both have numerous benefits for our mental health. Studies have shown that regular meditation can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also help improve sleep quality, concentration, and memory. Similarly, regular exercise has also been shown to have numerous mental health benefits. Exercise can help improve mood, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality. It can also help to increase energy levels, concentration, and memory.
Meditation has physical results as well
When we are stressed, our muscles tense up as our body prepares for fight-or-flight. Meditation helps to break the stress response cycle by teaching the body how to relax. In one study, participants who underwent eight weeks of meditation training showed significant improvements in muscle relaxation compared to a control group.
The American Heart Association recommends meditation to maintain good heart health and physical health. An NIH study found that regular meditation reduced cardiovascular mortality by 25%.
Mindfulness
There are many different types of meditation, but one of the most popular is mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on your breath and being present in the moment. Once you become aware of a thought or feeling, you acknowledge it without judgment and then return your focus to your breath. Over time, mindfulness meditation can help us to become more aware of our thoughts and feelings, and less reactive to them. This can be extremely helpful in managing stress, anxiety, and depression.
The benefits of meditation are well-documented, but it’s important to remember that like anything else, regular practice is key. If you’re interested in starting a meditation practice, there are numerous resources available online or through apps like Headspace and Calm. And, as with any new activity, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor before starting.
So, is meditation like exercise for the mind? In many ways, yes! Both activities require effort and discipline, and both have numerous benefits for our mental health. If you’re interested in improving your mental health, why not give meditation a try?
One of the key benefits of meditation is that it can help to break the stress response cycle. When we are stressed, our muscles tense up as our body prepares for fight-or-flight. Meditation helps to break this cycle by teaching the body how to relax. In one study, participants who underwent eight weeks of mediation training showed significant improvements in muscle relaxation compared to a control group.
Brain exercise
So, is meditation like exercise for the mind? In many ways, yes! Both activities require effort and discipline, and both have numerous benefits for our mental health. If you’re interested in improving your mental health, why not give meditation a try?
One of the key benefits of meditation is that it can help to break the stress response cycle. When we are stressed, our muscles tense up as our body prepares for fight-or-flight. Meditation helps to break this cycle by teaching the body how to relax. In
Bottom line
So, what does all of this mean? Basically, it means that meditation and exercise are both great for our mental health! If you’re looking for a way to improve your mental wellbeing, then consider adding meditation (or exercise) to your daily routine. Trust us – your mind will thank you for it!
Meditation and exercise are two activities that require effort and discipline in order to see results. Both meditation and exercise also have many benefits for our mental health. Therefore, if you are looking for a way to improve your mental wellbeing, consider adding meditation (or exercise) to your daily routine. Trust us – your mind will thank you for it!
Dr. Amy Sarow obtained her Doctor of Audiology at the University of Iowa. She spent her 4th year residency at the Mayo Clinic of Health Sciences in Jacksonville, Florida. She currently resides in Michigan and works as a full time clinical audiologist. You can follow her blog at www.amysarow.com
Read more about reasons to meditate: https://amysarow.com/morning-meditation-75-reasons-to-meditate
Article by: Amy Sarow August 12, 2022