Scientific research: Daily meditation changes the brain in 8 weeks

What Did the Study Find?

After undergoing this examination and the eight-week trial, and after participants went through several tests and assessments, it was found that the brain responded strongly to practicing meditation daily for 27 minutes.

Meanwhile, MRI scans showed an increase in the amount of gray matter in the hippocampus — the part of the brain responsible for learning, memory, self-awareness, and empathy.

Participants who practiced daily meditation for eight weeks also reported a decrease in their stress levels, accompanied by a reduction in gray matter in the amygdala — the area responsible for feelings of stress and anxiety.

The researchers did not notice any changes in other specific brain areas and stated that a longer period would be needed to confirm such effects.

The lead researcher explained that the role of daily meditation in changing the brain within eight weeks was significant and noticeable, which suggests even greater benefits and positive effects if practiced for longer periods and made part of a daily routine.

Tips for Practicing Meditation Daily

We have seen that daily meditation changes the brain in just 8 weeks, which confirms the potential benefits a person can gain from daily meditation. For this reason, we present some tips to help you practice meditation every day:

• Start by practicing meditation for only two minutes a day.
• Set a fixed time for meditation, such as in the morning upon waking up and before getting out of bed.
• Sit comfortably and ensure your back is straight.
• Focus on your breathing and notice what happens in your body during it.
• Doing this for just one month can help make meditation part of your daily routine.

It is worth noting that over time you can increase the duration of your practice from two minutes to five, then ten, and so on. You can also seek help from a specialized meditation center or use one of the available apps, such as the Tawazon app, to guide you step-by-step through your practice.