Meditation involves focusing inward and honing your concentration skills. Practitioners have been touting the benefits of meditation for thousands of years. Now there is compelling scientific evidence that their claims are true. Indeed, it seems that regular meditation practice can change your brain for the better.
In 2008, some Buddhist monks agreed to have their brains scanned. The purpose of doing this was to determine whether meditation alters brain function. The results? Increased meditation leads to “an ability of the brain to change and optimise in a way we didn’t know previously was possible” (Josipovic, 2011). For example, regular meditation shrinks the amygdala (the brain’s fight-or-flight control centre). It also thickens your pre-frontal cortex (the part of your brain that’s responsible for concentration and decision-making).
About the author of this fast fact:
Eleanor Shakiba is a specialist in positive psychology training. She has helped over 50,000 professionals to build confidence, presence and influence at work. Her passion is working with the ‘positive deviants’ in organisations – equipping them to think creatively and build a better world. Eleanor is the author of the Positive Psychology Toolkit for HR and L&D practitioners. She also runs a range of retreats and workshops for trainers and facilitators.