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This can, over time and with practice, ease anxiety and increase mood.” Valerie Knopik, PhD – Director of Research for Yoga Medicine, the Miller Professor of Human Development and Family Studies at Purdue University says, “when we practice mind-body techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and focused intention tasks, we influence brain activity in regions that are involved in reducing psychological stress and increasing the parasympathetic response. This study concluded that these neurological effects suggest meditation is an effective treatment for anxiety and may even help prevent anxiety from developing. 1 Another study found meditation may encourage the growth of new brain neurons by forming new connections between existing neurons. Studies have shown that meditation can reduce symptoms of anxiety. Meditation has a wide array of health benefits, both mental and physical. In this way, meditation has the power to transform our relationship to ourselves, to others, and the world around us.” Why Meditate? Meditation helps us to see the contents of our minds and hearts, to understand the way we construct the world and the pain we carry around with greater clarity, compassion, and acceptance. Yael Shy, author of What Now? Meditation for Your Twenties and Beyond (Parallax, 2017), further explains, “Meditation is not just about helping us calm down and “de-stress” although it can do both of those things. Meditation is a healthy form of self-care and both experts and meditation enthusiasts say it’s a valuable antidote to the fast pace of our technology-driven culture Why the sudden popularity boom? Meditation is accessible to everyone and can be tailored to accommodate a variety of time constraints, demanding responsibilities, physical disabilities, and lack of space. While the practice of meditation dates back centuries, it has recently gained a newfound popularity. Because staying focused on your breath removes distractions, worries, and restlessness from the mind. Breathing is a common focus point in many different types of meditation. Generally, it consists of focusing your attention as a way to calm the mind. If you’ve been confused in the past by meditation, you’re not alone. Jump to: Why Meditate? Types of Meditation Meditation Resources Meditation Exercises What is Meditation?