21 Benefits of Meditation for 2021

By Caroline Kammerer

As the first week of 2021 has come to an end, many people have taken a new approach for the New Year. Whether it's exercising more or using technology less, we all try to change things for the New Year whether we know it or not. While these are all physical changes, there are many changes that can be made when it comes to caring for the mind. Some of these changes can be to stress less or to shift one’s outlook on life.

One simple way to help is the practice of meditation.

There have been many proven benefits of meditation, and the practice of it has been gaining popularity over the years to help with relaxation.

However, Buddhists have been practicing this for centuries. Meditation is a crucial part of Buddhist teaching. They teach that meditation is the true solution to the personal sorrows and confusion of the human condition.

But meditation isn’t just used for religious practices, it can be used for health reasons as well-- especially emotional well-being.

1. Gaining a new perspective on stressful situations

Having a new perspective is exactly what some people desire in the New Year, especially when it comes to dealing with stress. We all have things to stress and worry about in our lives, but we can decide how we cope with it. Meditation is one positive way to deal with this stress.

2. Focusing on the present

Another common New Year's Resolution is to live more in the present instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Meditating can help allow you to become aware of yourself and focus on the present moment.

3. Increasing patience and tolerance

By turning on the news, we can see examples of division and intolerance. It is our responsibility as human beings to become more tolerant and patient with each other to promote unity and peace. This can start from within, through the practice of meditation.

Other ways meditation can improve your emotional well-being:

4. Building skills to manage stress

5. Increasing self awareness

6. Reducing negative emotions

7. Increasing imagination and creativity

8. Improving concentration and attention

9. Improving self-esteem

10. Improving compassion towards yourself and others

11. Improving relationships

Consistently practicing meditation can actually make changes to your brain. While meditation is beneficial to emotional well-being, it can be helpful for our physical health as well.

12. Can relieve anxiety and fatigue

Cancer patients who suffer from symptoms and treatment side effects found meditation to help deal with it.

13. Reducing menopausal symptoms

Meditation based programs can help with things like hot flashes, sleep problems, stress, muscle and joint pain.

While meditation benefit research is still ongoing, some research has shown that meditation can still help people manage symptoms of the following conditions:

14. Asthma

15. Chronic pain

16. Depression

17. High blood pressure

18. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

19. Sleep problems

20. Tension headaches

The final, and possibly most important benefit of meditation, is:

21. Improving quality of life

By trying to improve ourselves through meditation, we begin to have a more positive outlook on life, which is just what most of the world needs after 2020. As we continue to see the world in a different light, we can help improve how we live our day to day lives.

Meditation can mean something different to everyone, whether that is following a guided meditation on YouTube or simply going for a walk to clear your head. By practicing meditation in 2021, maybe we can all live this year a bit more positively.