You know that managing stress can benefit your health. One way to do this is through meditation, particularly mindfulness, which can enhance your well-being in various ways. The medical team at UAB Medical West is here to explore the benefits of mindfulness for your overall health and well-being.
How to Start a Mindfulness Practice
Starting to meditate can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Even meditating for a short time can be beneficial. Below, we outline an essential mindfulness meditation practice you can quickly implement into your daily life. Feel free to modify these steps to suit your lifestyle and desired outcomes.
- Start by sitting quietly with your eyes closed.
- Take deep, slow breaths.
- Then, relax your muscles, beginning with your feet and moving upwards.
- Shrug your shoulders and roll your neck from side to side.
- Continue the above steps for 5-10 minutes.
Along with following this routine, you can find alternative meditation plans online or download an app for guided practices. There is no right or wrong way to meditate. However, like with any healthy lifestyle practice, you should consult your physician before implementing it.
The Benefits of Mindfulness for Your Health
Mindfulness offers various benefits for one’s overall health, which we will explore below. These practices can enhance physical and mental health. However, your physician can help you determine how mindfulness can personally benefit you. Be sure to consult with them before implementing these practices into your routine.
Cardiovascular Health
Mindfulness can lower blood pressure and heart rate, providing various cardiac health benefits. It is so effective that a Harvard University study found that those who meditated for five minutes per day for 10 days had a better heart rate than those who didn’t. We at UAB Medical West recommend it to those who have experienced cardiac events as part of their rehabilitation program.
Mental Health
Mental and physical health are closely linked. Practicing mindfulness can benefit mental health in a variety of ways. While primarily known for its stress reduction benefits, meditation can also activate the nervous system and manage mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. It can even be included as part of therapy or other psychiatric care.
Improved Sleep
Mindfulness can improve sleep by helping you relax. Meditating before bed can put you into the right mindset and physical state for sleeping. This benefit is wide-reaching since poor sleep habits are linked to various health issues, including heart disease. Like those at UAB Medical West, a sleep specialist can help determine if this option is right for you.
Pain Management
Pain management is essential to maintaining comfort when you experience an injury or are recovering from surgery. While prescription and over-the-counter medication can help, so can practices like mindfulness. Through meditation, you can relax your body and your mind, which can lessen the sensation of any pain you are experiencing.
Immune System Boosting
Because of the other benefits of mindfulness, like reduced stress and improved sleep, this practice can help boost your immune system. In turn, you are less susceptible to viral infections. As cold and flu season approaches, implementing mindfulness and practices like washing your hands and consuming enough Vitamin C can help you stay healthy.
Gastrointestinal Health
Stress can impact gut health. However, mindfulness can improve gastrointestinal health by reducing stress, relaxing muscles, and restoring gut bacteria, which improves gut function. Consulting with a gastrointestinal specialist can help you determine if meditation could be used to manage your specific condition.
Reduce the Effects of Aging
As we age, our bodies and minds change. Keeping one’s mind active through activities like mindfulness can help stave off the physical and cognitive decline of aging. This, in turn, can reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s and other age-related memory issues. People of all ages can practice this, so it is never too early or late to start meditating.
Partner With UAB Medical West on Your Mindfulness Journey
Mindfulness is a journey, as is maintaining your overall health. Along with reducing stress through healthy living and meditation, consulting with a physician, like those at UAB Medical West, can help you manage your health. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our health and wellness programming.
Manage Your Heart Health at UAB Medical West
Beyond your stress reduction practices, like mindfulness, UAB Medical West can help you manage your heart health with our cardiac rehabilitation program. To see if you qualify for this outpatient programming, contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our cardiac specialists today.