How Meditation Changed My Brain Chemistry
As human beings, we often find ourselves struggling with our thoughts and emotions. Stressed-out days, restless nights, and emotional turbulence can all affect our daily lives, leaving us feeling drained and overwhelmed. This is where meditation comes to our rescue. Meditation is an ancient practice that originated in India and has been gaining popularity globally. It has numerous benefits that have been proven through studies and personal experiences. In this article, I am going to share my own personal experience of how meditation transformed my brain chemistry for the better.
What is Meditation?
Meditation is the practice of training the mind to focus and concentrate. It is a mental exercise that is done by sitting in a relaxed position, remaining focused, and breathing deeply. The main aim of meditation is to calm the mind, reduce stress and anxiety, and achieve an overall sense of peace and well-being.
My Experience with Meditation:
I started meditating about five years ago when I was going through a tough time in my life. I had lost a family member, and I was struggling with the grief and anxiety that came with it. I was constantly restless, unable to sleep and found myself constantly worrying about the future. At that time, I had heard about meditation, and I decided to give it a try.
At first, it wasn’t easy. I found it difficult to focus and concentrate, and my mind kept drifting away. But, as I continued to practice regularly, I started to notice changes in my mind and body. My mind became clearer, my thoughts more organized, and I felt more relaxed and calm. I found myself becoming more aware of my thoughts and emotions, and I started to understand them better.
Changes in Brain Chemistry:
Meditation has been linked to various changes in brain function and chemistry. Studies have shown that regular meditation can alter the structure and function of the brain, leading to positive changes in our emotions, behavior, and well-being.
Increases Grey Matter in the Brain:
One of the most significant changes that occur in the brain as a result of meditation is an increase in gray matter. Gray matter is a part of the brain that contains most of the brain’s nerve cells, and an increase in gray matter is linked to improved cognitive function and emotional regulation.
In a study published in the journal Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, researchers found that participants who had been meditating for an average of 9 years had more gray matter in the brain than non-meditating participants. Specifically, the region of the brain that was found to have more gray matter was the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making, attention, and self-control.
Reduces Stress Hormones:
When we experience stress or anxiety, our bodies release a hormone called cortisol that prepares us for the fight or flight response. Long-term exposure to cortisol can have negative effects on our physical and mental health.
Meditation has been shown to reduce cortisol levels in the body, which can help to alleviate stress and anxiety. A study published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology found that individuals who meditated regularly had significantly lower cortisol levels than those who did not meditate.
Increases Production of Positive Neurotransmitters:
Meditation has also been shown to increase the production of positive neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins. These neurotransmitters are responsible for regulating mood, reducing pain, and promoting feelings of happiness and well-being.
A study published in the journal Biological Psychology found that participants who meditated regularly had higher levels of serotonin than non-meditating participants. Another study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology found that individuals who practiced mindfulness meditation had higher levels of dopamine and endorphins than those who did not meditate.
Improvements in Memory and Attention:
Meditation has been linked to improvements in memory and attention, which can have significant benefits for our daily lives. A study published in the journal PLOS One found that individuals who meditated for 8 weeks showed improvements in their cognitive function, specifically in their ability to sustain attention and resist distraction.
Another study published in the journal Brain Research Bulletin found that regular meditation can improve working memory, which is the ability to hold and manipulate information in the mind over a short period of time.
Conclusion:
Meditation has been an essential part of my life for the past five years, and it has had a significant impact on my mental and physical well-being. The changes that have occurred in my brain chemistry have helped me to manage stress and anxiety better, improve my cognitive function, and increase my overall sense of well-being. I highly recommend that anyone struggling with stress or anxiety incorporates meditation into their daily routine, as it has the potential to transform your life for the better.