Why does NCWW put such emphasis on learning to meditate? It’s pushups for your brain!

A recent IDEA Fitness Journal summarized the science in an article entitled “Meditation: Push-Ups for the Brain” by Shirley Archer, JD, MA. Citing research studies conducted from 1999 to 2012, the author lists the following health benefits of meditation:

• stronger immune system (Barrett et al., 2012);
• enhanced attention (Slagter et al., 2007);
• lower blood pressure and reduced risk of heart disease (Schneider et al., 2009);
• lower anxiety and less depression (Marchand, 2012);
• increased feelings of compassion and empathy (Farb, Anderson & Segal, 2012);
• fewer binge episodes (Kristiller & Hallett, 1999);
• lower blood sugar (Paul-Labrador et al., 2006);
• improved sleep and better pain management (Nagendra, Maruthai & Kutty, 2012).

That’s why we provide so many different opportunities for you to learn about meditation and related practices. For example:

• In the Stress & Coping class on Saturday mornings at 10am, Dr. Osborn leads participants through a variety of styles of stress management, imagery, meditation, and relaxation
• In Dr. Thestrup’s new class, “Stress Reduction and Resiliency,” on Fridays at 11:30am, group members combine skill building in mindfulness and mediation with support
• And our “Yoga…for Real People” series with Dena Kahn every Friday at 12:30pm offers small group practice of mindfulness and meditation combined with body movement.

The good news: there’s no one right way to meditate. The best style of meditation is the kind that you find easiest and most enjoyable. So, come check out one of these classes at NCWW and learn which style suits you best!