In our modern, stressful lives our brains are kicking cortisol production into overdrive in its fight or flight attempt to protect us from all the perceived ‘dangers’. A 2013 study noted that meditation lowers cortisol levels. Cortisol works with your body to regulate your mood. When it’s balanced, cortisol gives us drive, energy and digestive fire. Meditation helps to stop anxiety naturally.
At the same time, meditation ‘bathes’ your brain cells in happy neurotransmitters such as serotonin and oxytocin (the love hormone) making you feel joyous and happy. Serotonin is also known as the ‘happy-hormone’ because it has a nice effect on mood and overall on our wellbeing. Synthetic forms of this brain chemical are also used in many antidepressants.
Dr Vincent Giampapa, M.D found that meditation practitioners on average have approximately 44% more DHEA hormone. DHEA is a precursor hormone, meaning that it’s essential for the balanced production of other hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. It also plays a role in ageing and has been referred to as the ‘fountain of youth’ by scientists.
During meditation the breath slows down, it also improves heart rate variability and lowers the heart rate and blood pressure. Meditation is very good for your cardiovascular health.