Meditation

The benefits of meditation with respect to stress relief are well known, however, have you considered the benefits of meditation in relation to anti aging? This consideration is brought up in the anti aging 4 life blog.

We all know the link between stress and aging – stress is a factor that directly contributes to the aging process. So it would make sense then to assume that if meditation has a positive effect on stress relief, it would also then have an effect on anti aging.

Your cortisol level, also known as the stress and aging hormone, is reduced through meditation. Now you might think that the aging hormone is one that we would be better off with, however, as noted in the anti aging 4 life blog, cortisol is a very necessary hormone. Without cortisol you wouldn’t have the inspiration to get out of bed. Getting the right hormonal balance is essential to maintaining a healthy immunity. Cortisol adjusts the way stress affects your body. Having the right amount can help stimulate immune cells and reduce fatigue and anxiety.You need a certain amount of cortisol to boost your immune system, but excessive amounts can weaken immune function and cause the thymus to shrink. The production of excessive amounts of cortisol can make it difficult for you to get a good night’s rest and will cause you to wake up at all hours of the night. You’ll also find it harder to lose weight. Large amounts of cortisol also make it harder for some immune cells to multiply.A good way to evaluate your cortisol levels is through a urine test that assesses your body’s production of cortisol over a 24-hour period. Another way is to do a saliva hormone profile, which involves the collection of saliva at different times of the day to give you a sense of how your body is manufacturing cortisol.

Hormones and anti aging

What are hormones? Well, essentially they send chemical messages that affect cells in other parts of our bodies. They control growth, they repair, control our immunity, metabolism and more. In order for our bodies to perform properly, there needs to be the right amount of each hormone at the right time. When our hormones are imbalanced, our bodily process become inefficient and can result in damage to our wellbeing. Aging and accelerated aging are directly affected by incorrect hormone levels.

There are also certain hormones which are noted for their anti aging qualities. However, the star anti aging hormones, DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone: hormonal precursor) and HGH (the growth hormone), may present just as many dangers as they do benefits.

• The jury is out as to whether DHEA improves brain function and heart health. It is, however, proven to reduce skin aging.
• Studies have shown that in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women the more DHEA you have the greater your risk of breast cancer.
• Some studies show that the growth hormone boosts the immune system and improves brain speed, memory and mental function.
• Supplementation with the growth hormone has, however, been proven to increase the onset of diabetes.
• Supplementing with hormones to hold off aging may cause as many problems as it cures. Before taking that leap, consider the pros and cons.

Moment meditation and anti aging
So now that we understand the link between hormones and anti aging, let’s see the role meditation can play in all of this.

Moment meditation is based on living in the “now.” Being in the moment opens up a whole new level of relaxation and meditation and has great anti aging benefits.

• Many great thinkers and spiritual traditions prescribe the practice of being in the present as a path to enlightenment. Being in the present, as opposed to being stuck or lamenting in the past or worrying about the future will have anti aging benefits.
• Ascertaining whether we drift to the past or future indicates our psychological tendency.
• Though it is necessary and sometimes enjoyable to think of the past and future, our awareness should remain anchored in the only true reality – now.
• The trick to remain grounded in the present while still processing the past or making future plans is to maintain awareness of your present sensations and surroundings.
• Stepping into the moment you enter a magic realm that transforms every aspect of your life. You will feel a lightness, ease and connection with everything.

Meditation has many anti aging benefits, however it is an art form that takes hours a day and sometimes years to achieve results. So all the more reason to get started today!

Read more
The benefits of meditation
Looking for stress relief
Anti aging hormones