Meditation has been around for centuries and is still popular today. It’s no secret that meditation can help reduce stress, but there are a number of other benefits that may surprise you. Here are five surprising benefits of regular meditation:
1. Improved Memory
Meditation helps to improve your memory by increasing the density of neurons in the hippocampus, which is responsible for learning and memory formation. Studies have also shown that meditating regularly can help increase your ability to focus on tasks more effectively, allowing you to remember things more easily and quickly.
2. Increased Creativity
Regular meditation has been linked with increased creativity levels due to its ability to open up new pathways in our brains while calming us down at the same time – something known as “divergent thinking” or “lateral thinking” in psychology circles! This allows us access parts of our minds we wouldn't normally be able tap into when feeling stressed or overwhelmed - giving rise creative solutions we never knew existed before!
3. Better Sleep Quality
Meditating regularly can lead not only improved sleep quality but also better sleep duration overall – something many people struggle with these days due lack high-stress lifestyles combined with poor sleeping habits (such as using phones/computers late into night). When done correctly, meditating before bedtime will allow body relax deeply enough so it doesn't take long fall asleep once hit pillow; plus wake up feeling refreshed next morning too!
4. Lower Blood Pressure & Heart Rate
Regularly practicing mindfulness techniques such breathing exercises during mediation sessions have proven effective lowering both blood pressure heart rate over time – making this type exercise great those who suffer from hypertension related issues like stroke risk factors etc... Plus it's free easy do anywhere anytime without any special equipment required either - bonus points all round then right? ;)
5. Improved Self-Awareness & Compassion
Last but certainly least important benefit regular mediation practice brings about self-awareness compassion towards others ourselves alike; meaning become much better understanding needs wants both parties involved any given situation thus leading healthier relationships all around us :)