How Mindfulness Practices Can Change Your Brain.
We often hear people talk about the benefits of mindfulness practices such as meditation, but one of the most interesting aspects is how they can actually change your brain! That’s right; a regular mindfulness practice can alter your brain's physical structure. So what exactly does that mean for you? Let’s take a look.
The Power Of Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity allows your brain to adapt and change in response to new experiences. This means that when you engage in activities such as meditation or yoga, your brain has the potential to create new neural pathways and strengthen existing ones. In other words, your brain can literally be rewired through mindfulness practices!
Studies have shown that mindful activities can increase gray matter in areas of the brain associated with learning, memory, self-awareness, and emotion regulation. Meditation has also been found to reduce levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) in the body while increasing activity in parts of the brain associated with relaxation and focus. And yoga has been linked to increased levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)—a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and anxiety—in those who practice it regularly.
The Benefits Of Mindfulness Practices
So what are some of the benefits you can expect from regular mindfulness practice? An increased ability to handle stress more effectively is one major benefit—especially important for women who have anxiety or breast cancer survivors who have experienced traumatic events like chemotherapy or surgery. There is also evidence that regular mindful activities can help sharpen focus and improve memory retention by strengthening connections between neurons in the hippocampus—the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory formation. Finally, research shows mindfulness practices may help slow down age-related cognitive decline! Yes, please!
All this shows just how powerful a regular mindfulness practice can be for your overall mental health and well-being! Whether you choose meditation, stretch, tapping, or something else entirely—your brain will thank you for taking time out each day to cultivate an inner sense of peace and calm. So why not give it a try? You might be amazed at how much better you feel after just a few weeks!
Get started now at The Deep Center for instant access to mindfulness classes.