Bronwyn Robertson, LPC

What are the mental health benefits of meditation, of slowing down, paying attention and directing our focus inward? Research from some of the world's leading practitioners and scholars supports that the practice of meditation, specifically mindfulness meditation, lowers our stress level, improves concentration, and enhances our ability to manage our emotions and tolerate pain.

A recent study from Wake Forrest University School of Medicine suggests that during the first few days of practice, mindfulness meditation can reduce fatigue, anxiety, and  improve memory and concentration. Research also shows that long term practice actually transforms the brain, increasing grey matter and connections between brain cells.

Mindfulness meditation practices are effective in promoting both mental and medical health and are being used with everyone from preschoolers with behavior problems to people battling cancer. These practices  are so effective, in fact, that they have become part of a curriculum of study for medical and nursing students, such as at the Eastern Virginia Medical School Psychophysiologic Evaluation and Treatment Laboratory (PETL)

(Originally published by Examiner.com)