❤️ Meditation literally revives the brain

Many of us already know and accept that meditation provides many benefits,

including reduced tension and stress and improved focus and concentration. However, for a long time it was not known how and why the meditation does all of this – until now! Read more: What will happen when you start meditating?

Harvard scientists published the results of an 8-week study,

which uses magnetic resonance imaging to study the effects of meditation on the brain. The study participants practiced forms of guided meditation every day for approximately 30 minutes. Mindfulness is a style of meditation that emphasizes maintaining objective awareness of sensations, feelings, and states of mind.
Magnetic resonance imaging scans were taken at the beginning and at the end of the 8-week study.

From the results, the scientists found that meditation literally regenerated the gray matter of the brain in just 8 weeks

– making the study the first to document that the meditation leads to this kind of change over time. The changes observed in the meditators were not found in the control group, indicating that these changes did not occur naturally over time, but rather were induced by the daily act of meditating.

We know what you're thinking: What is this mysterious gray matter that meditation restores?

Gray matter is a major component of the central nervous system and is found in areas of the brain involved in muscle control, vision and hearing, memory, the emotions, speech, decision-making and self-control.
Brain research shows that the amount and density of gray matter varies from person to person and that it determines or expresses certain traits or endowments. For example, scientists have found that professional musicians have denser gray matter in the part of the brain associated with music perception.

The Harvard study found that meditation can increase gray matter density, especially in the hippocampus

(the part of the brain responsible for long-term memory). According to Harvard Gazette, "the hippocampus is known to be important in learning and memory and in structures associated with self-awareness, compassion, and introspection."

Study participants also reported a reduction in stress after the 8 weeks,

which is logical, because during the study there was a decrease in the density of gray matter in the amygdala - the part of the brain known to play an important role in stress and anxiety. See also: 10 secrets that will free you from worries and stress

❤️For this moment of energy, Milena recommends:

The research is groundbreaking and inspiring

by showing that we have the ability to change the structure of our own brains: to improve our memory and learning abilities, and to become more compassionate and self-aware.
Britta Holzl, lead author of the study, summarizes its remarkable findings:

"It is fascinating to see the plasticity of the brain and that through the practice of meditation we can play an active role in changing the brain and increasing our physical well-being and quality of life."