When we talk about Yoga, often emphasis is given more to the physical practice of asanas. While it is great to practice asanas, one must not forget that Yoga is the union of Body, breath and mind. And it is the practice of meditation that sometimes takes a backseat. While we may be aware of how calm and peaceful meditation makes us, let’s look at 5 things that happen scientifically and biologically to your body when you meditate regularly.
Reduces Anxiety
Meditation aids in production of happy and healthy neurotransmitters! While meditating, your brain’s CEO, the prefrontal cortex, is stimulated and starts serving GABA (the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter) that helps lower anxiety levels.
Mood Elevator
Meditators experience a serotonin boost, the body’s natural “happy chemical,” and norepinephrine (NE) takes a back seat that helps to elevate the mood and feel calm.
Clarity of Thought
When one is under stress, the amygdala (the brain’s emotional center) takes over. This is when one is unable to think clearly or calmly. But studies show that after meditation, the amygdala shows reduced activity thus clearing your mind and improving clarity of thought.
Enhanced Learning & Memory
Meditators exhibit higher gray matter concentration in the hippocampus and parahippocampal cortex, along with enhanced white matter connections between the hippocampus and other brain regions that enhance learning and memory.
Dopamine High
Yoga Nidra meditation can elevate dopamine levels which is like the body’s internal reward system that keeps you motivated and makes you feel good!
So here’s a meditation challenge for you. Meditate daily for 13 minutes for 8 weeks straight. You can observe any changes that you may feel by the end of those 8 weeks. Check out my 5 Day meditation Challenge or my Daily Guided Meditation Playlist on Youtube.