Meditation’s Role in Brain Adaptability research shows meditation is beneficial to mental health. It is sometimes used in conjunction with other treatments, such as psychotherapy or medications, to help people cope with depression and anxiety.

The goal of meditation is to calm the mind and relax the body. While there are many different ways to meditate, most involve focusing on one thing and ignoring other distractions. You may focus on your breathing, a word or sound, a physical sensation like your seat rubbing against your skin, or a mantra (a repeated phrase). In some cases, you may notice that thoughts and feelings come up that are uncomfortable or distressing. The goal is not to push these thoughts away, but to be aware of them without judgment and gently guide your attention back to the breath.

Brain Adaptability

Researchers have discovered that the brain continues to adapt throughout life, even in adults. This is known as neuroplasticity. Some of the plasticity is due to experience, but genetics can also play a role. In addition to neurons, the brain has other types of cells, such as glial cells and blood vessels, that are also capable of changing in response to new experiences.

Multiple studies have found that people who meditate regularly have certain changes in their brain structure. These changes usually include areas of the brain that are denser and have more connections to other areas. They may also have more activation in the insula, which is involved in self-awareness of emotions and body sensations.