The Effects Of Mindfulness Practices On The Human Body

Mental disorders such as anxiety and depression have long before now, been thought of as simple, quick fix disorders. Benzodiazepines and antidepressants are among the top prescribed medications to treat mental illnesses. As per the research conducted by many studies, taking these medications, not only does one run the risk of addiction but the long-term damaging effects on the brain can be detrimental and are ultimately inevitable. Modern medicine has conditioned us to throw mental illnesses under the rug by simply taking pills and just dealing with the condition.

We in modern society, have failed to highlight and show emphasis on the root cause of these illnesses. We have often overlooked the underlying issue when it comes to the true causes of these common mental disorders. Mindfulness practices have unfortunately been swept under the rug while medication reigns on the forefront of major media and other mainstream outlets. 

By reading the information below, we can take a deeper look into the benefits that mindfulness practices have to offer.

By just simply relaxing and taking deep breaths while focusing on clearing our minds through mindfulness techniques, we can change so many biomechanical processes within the body instantly. Taking deep slow breaths can slow the heart rate which reduces our mental stress and has many more health benefits. Through this technique, we can begin to realize that we are more powerful than society teaches us.

Mood Disorders

Mindfulness practices have numerous benefits when it comes to reducing mood disorders. Listed below is a detailed breakdown of each:

1. Depression

Depression is now becoming one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. The rates of depression have spiked tremendously particularly this year, due to the pandemic. As per the research conducted by numerous scientists, depressive symptoms improved significantly in people who struggle with the disorder following Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Interventions.

2. Panic Disorder

Today, panic disorders affect almost half of the population in the United States. With this disorder being on the rise, it is important to note the benefits that mindfulness based therapy offers. As per the research of scientists, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy improves the symptoms of panic disorder as well as other related anxiety disorders.

3. Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is another mood disorder that is becoming more and more common in today's world. As per the research conducted by scientists, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy led to reductions in depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation symptoms in patients with Bipolar disorder.

4. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive compulsive disorder affects many people from all walks of life, and occurs when a person gets caught in a cycle of obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that trigger intensely distressing feelings. As per the research conducted by scientists, participation in a mindfulness stress reduction program led to a clinically significant reduction in OCD symptoms as well as an increased capacity to evoke a state of mindfulness.

5. Anxiety

Anxiety mostly consists of fearful, doubtful and negative thoughts. Many of us get anxious because we may be too closely attuned to our thoughts and feelings. This can really be a terrible thing, especially if our thoughts and feelings are filled with constant negativity. The constant feelings of self-doubt and fear can become extremely mentally taxing. Mindfulness practices help to quiet an anxious brain and provides a moment of peace.

If we are personally struggling with anxiety, then we can often feel like our minds are similar to a hamster wheel. We can feel that our mind is constantly spinning out of control but not making progress or making strides towards anything of meaning. It is like a constant cycle of never-ending worry and fear. As research from the Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy states, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction leads to decreased anxiety and can slow down excitatory brain activity.

Take a closer look at the way that Mindfulness based practices can benefit us below:

Mindfulness Meditation helps us to stop overthinking and helps our brains to stop constantly spinning. It provides us with mental clarity and helps us be more aware of our surroundings. It helps us to focus on our lives at the very moment and can take the attention away from overwhelming negative thoughts. 

Keeping the above mentioned benefits in mind, one can gain an understanding that meditation can help treat more mental disorders than the average person may be aware of. Meditating ultimately aids us in lowering anxiety by helping us control our thoughts while keeping them from controlling us which is the key to mental peace.