We live in a fast-paced world full of noises and distractions. Studies show that 61% of the United States population checks their phone upon waking up. A Whopping 88% check their phone within 30 minutes of waking up.

Where is the silence? The problem is that for most of us, the only time our mind gets peace and quiet is when we sleep. This has been proven to negatively affect our physical and mental health. In this article we will discuss the benefits of 10 minutes of silence every morning.  Specifically silence that comes with meditation.

Meditation has been in practice for centuries. Now it is used in treatments backed up by science. Meditation stood the most challenging test of all. The test of time. So, isn’t it time for you to consider meditation?

Okay, lets get into the benefits of meditation.

Meditation reduces stress. In a world full of noise and notifications, it is easy to get overwhelmed. Blood pressure elevates, cortisol released, and inflammation rises. Meditation allows your brain to take a step back from the madness and breath. This moment of silence has been proven to improve our ability to regulate emotions and handle stress. Mindfulness is a bi-product of meditation.

Meditation Improves Focus.  Remember the time when you had to read 8 chapters the day before an exam because you procrastinated? Not only are you stressed, but you can’t focus on reading because you are thinking about a million other things. Meditation can help. By taking 10 minutes out of your day you will strengthen your mind’s will power and enhance focus along with the ability to clear your mind.

Meditation increases brain grey matter. Studies from Harvard University show that participants who meditated 10 minutes a day showed an increase in grey matter in their brain in just 8 weeks! Grey matter is important for memory retention, emotional control, decision making, self-control and much more. By meditating you are literally working out your brain and making it stronger. The increase in grey matter will increase memory, improve decision making skills, and fight off addiction by increasing self-control.

Meditation improves mood. Someone once said, “Meditation is the fast track to happiness.” Mediation increases acceptance, self-awareness, and reduces judgement. You will find yourself taking pause, before reacting. Instead of honking at the driver that cut you off, you resist the urge and let go of your anger. Meditation makes it easier to accept your negative emotions and let it go. Instead of clinging onto the anger, hate, or irritation for the next day or two. You will find yourself shrugging off the negative emotions in a matter or hours or even minutes!

Meditation makes you younger! The most common excuse we hear is “I don’t have time to meditate.” There are few things in life that returns time when invested in. Meditation is one of them. As we age our cells’ telomeres gets shorter. Studies have shown that meditation will promote the minds wellbeing and increase telomere maintenance. Making you look and feel younger, along with possible increase in lifespan. The stress reduction reduces inflammation in our body which reduces wrinkles and aging. With just 10 minutes a day you will look younger! Now that’s something I can wrap my head around.

You are probably wondering why you haven’t started mediation yet! You can check out 100 benefits of meditation for more motivation here. Or you can learn the basics of meditation here.

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