You might have heard of mindfulness as something that has major mental health benefits. While the mental benefits of the practice are well-known, the more obscure advantages of the practice are the effects it has physically. Scientists have proven that through relieving stress, this process helps in the improvement of physical health as well.
Stress and Mindfulness
A common and often neglected factor behind almost every ailment is stress. When your brain and body go into the ‘fight or flight mode,’ there is an influx of neurochemicals, making all diseases much worse. Mindfulness essentially trains your body to stay calm even in distressing situations, thereby reducing the hormonal response. This then leads to overall better results, not just healthwise. Also, staying calm clears our minds enough to notice smaller issues that might go unnoticed, even in the absence of stress. There are six scientifically proven health benefits of mindfulness.
Better Blood Pressure Control
Researchers from Brown University have revealed that this mind-body training through mindfulness enables people to better keep tabs on their emotions. This automatically improves blood pressure ratings.
Improves Cognitive Function
When their brains were reviewed, it was noted that the brains of those who meditated or practiced mindfulness showed increased activity in memory-related parts of the brain than those who did not practice it.
Relieves Migraine
A clinical trial that included 16 weeks of an evidence-based program of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and then eight weeks of biweekly MBSR treatment discovered this benefit of mindfulness. After the study, researchers found that this pattern gave better relief from migraines than any of its contemporaries. Another study revealed that yoga also helps migraine patients in that they are fewer and less severe.
Helps With Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
A recent study from Oxford University revealed that IBS patients saw a 13% reduction in symptoms & a 28% reduced follow-up after mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Soothes Chronic Pain
Through a study of patients with fibromyalgia, it was observed that medicines are often complimented with massage, meditation, and vitamins leading to a better quality of life with less pain.
Strengthens Immunity
A research involving participants in forest bathing came forward with a revelation. It was found that those who went on a slow walk through the forest observing the surroundings had a hike of natural killer cells in blood levels. The causes for this are cited to be the phytoncides released by trees to protect foliage against microbes. These are also found to be effective in stimulating the immune system among humans.