When you stub your toe or accidentally close the door on your hand, your nerve endings send a signal to your brain. Your brain interprets the signal as pain and causes that part to hurt.
The next time you’re in pain, try meditating. Science says that not only will you redirect your attention away from the pain you’re feeling, but you’ll also feel less pain overall. Researchers monitored participants under an MRI and discovered that those who meditated had increased activity in the parts of their brain that are known for pain control. Other studies also support that meditating can reduce pain long-term for both people with terminal illnesses as well as with those who experience pain intermittently.