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The mind is a powerful organ. However, similar to the other organs in the body, it needs to rest from time to time.
People have various ways to relax and destress—many seek relaxation in physical activities to ease stress in their minds. About one in six adults choose to meditate, while one in ten practises yoga instead.
Stress has long been accepted as a regular facet of life. However, studies have shown that frequent exposure to stress or any type of trauma may lead to people developing problems in the central nervous system and the organs surrounding it.
So before chronic stress makes it necessary for you to go to a health and wellness clinic, you must take the time to destress once in a while. You can be one of the millions of New Zealanders choosing to meditate each day—but how does it really contribute to a person’s ability to relax and ease stress in the mind?
The body’s typical response to stress triggers the autonomic nervous system. In effect, the body activates its fight or flight response, leading to an increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and the downstream release of stress-related hormones like cortisol.
Unfortunately, everything in excess can lead to adverse effects or consequences. Some people under stress constantly can stay in their fight or flight state, leaving them always overwhelmed, alert, and unable to cope. It also means that they may retain the increased heart rate and blood pressure, leading to other life-threatening conditions.
There are three different forms of meditation: open monitoring, focused attention, and automatic self-transcending meditation. All three have functions that are fit for addressing various types of stress.
Open monitoring is also called mindfulness-based meditation. The practice is a type of attention control training, helping individuals direct their attention towards the present moment. As a result, it decreases mind-wandering tendencies and influences cognitive performance while improving well-being and overall happiness in daily life.
Focused meditation is more helpful for people who quite clear their minds without a specific focal point. Using an object, sound, or sensation to gain a clear sense can help you stay in the moment and slow down your inner dialogue. As a result, you can focus on the present while only thinking about one focal point at a time.
Lastly, self-transcending meditation can help avoid distracting thoughts to encourage a state of relaxed awareness. The usual practice of transcendental meditation involves the individual seated in a comfortable position, with their eyes closed, repeating a mantra. This will help the individual “transcend” and replace thoughts with pure consciousness.
Studies have shown that meditation is more effective in reducing blood pressure than other aerobic exercises or relaxation methods. Since high blood pressure can lead to various health conditions, having a way to reduce it without the help of medication is always an excellent way to mitigate the risks of heart disease.
Remember that the effects of the different meditation techniques do not manifest instantly. People should continue to keep themselves out of stressful situations and live a healthy lifestyle to help their bodies overcome the adverse effects of stress.
Unichem Greenhithe Pharmacy is a health and wellness clinic passionate about healthy living. As a team of pharmacists and chemists, our goal is to supply patients with only the best range of options and treatments for their medical conditions. Our medical management system should complement the needs of our people towards their journey to total health. Contact us today!
