Mindfulness Meditation Physically Changes the Brain

Breathe in, breathe out. Mindfulness meditation can seem like a simple practice. But recent studies suggest it can physically change the brain to help practitioners deal with stress, boost memory, and increase concentration. Looks like Julia Roberts knew what she was doing!

“Gray’s” Anatomy – Analysis

Mindfulness meditation differs from other forms by promoting concentration on current, physical sensations instead of letting the mind roam free. Recent studies suggest mindfulness meditation works the brain the way a good workout regimen works the body— minus the buckets of sweat, of course. But rather than building muscle, M.R.I. scans show this form of meditation increases the brain’s gray matter in regions closely associated with memory, learning, and emotional regulation ^[1]. Studies also suggest mindfulness meditation reduces brain activity in areas responsible for anxiety, stress, and perceptions of pain ^[2]. If only we’d known about this back in Calculus class…

Mindfulness meditators’ brains have also demonstrated an enhanced ability to suppress distractions, allowing the brain to better interpret, categorize, and respond to a variety of stimuli ^[3]. After focusing on otherwise ignored actions like breathing, meditators’ brains are primed to be extra perceptive in everyday life. Definitely a useful advantage in an over-stimulating, strobe light-friendly world.