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Its team of mental health professionals recognize that research in this space is constantly evolving, along with their understanding of these topics. You can count on them to sift through the noise that too often makes mental health advice confusing, bringing it back down to earth through clear and actionable guidance.
In this article, I’m sharing 10 best Verywell Mind articles on meditation, along with my favorite quotes.
1. “The Benefits of Meditation”
Meditation has many benefits, including lowering stress, improving immune function, and slowing mental aging. This age-old practice has become one of the most popular ways to relieve stress among people of all walks of life. Meditation can take many forms and can be combined with many spiritual practices. It can also be used in several important ways.
Click here to read the article “The Benefits of Meditation.”
2. “What Happens to Your Brain When You Meditate Every Day?”
People who meditate regularly swear by it, but others are often skeptical of it, thinking it’s a little, you know, woo-woo. But what if we told you that meditation is actually a powerful way to train your brain to be calmer and sharper? That scientific studies have shown that meditating regularly can alter brain shape, size, and function?
“Meditation can actually create structural changes in the brain. It has been shown to increase gray matter in the brain, particularly in areas related to learning, memory, emotion regulation, and perspective,” says Mirela Loftus, MD, PhD, medical director at Newport Healthcare.
Click here to read the article “What Happens to Your Brain When You Meditate Every Day?“
3. “Focused Meditation: How to Start a Practice”
Focused meditation, also called focused attention meditation (FAM), can be a useful tool for people who want to try using meditation for stress relief. Unlike classic meditation, this type of mindfulness meditation has you focus your attention on an object, sound, or sensation rather than trying to achieve a clear mind without a specific focal point.
Click here to read the article “Focused Meditation: How to Start a Practice.”
4. “Which Meditation Is Best for Your Personality?”
Something many don’t realize about meditation is that it comes in a plethora of forms. Sure, there’s the traditional practice of sitting cross-legged with your eyes closed and hands in prana mudra form, but that’s just the tip of the meditation iceberg!
From loving-kindness meditation to sound baths, smartphone apps like the Breethe App, and even walking meditations, each type has its own spin to calming and focusing your mind, reducing stress, and enhancing your well-being. And if you find your meditation personality? Well, you might just find yourself becoming a regular practitioner.
Click here to read the article “Which Meditation Is Best for Your Personality?“
5. “Mindfulness Meditation Exercise for Anxiety”
Practicing mindfulness meditation can be an effective way to manage feelings of stress and anxiety, and can even be used as a relaxation technique for panic disorder.1 This meditation technique can help you slow down racing thoughts, decrease negativity, and calm both your mind and body.
Click here to read the article “Mindfulness Meditation Exercise for Anxiety.”
6. “The 21 Best Meditation Podcasts to Listen to Right Now”
When life gets chaotic, finding time to sit down, let alone meditate, may seem unrealistic. The good news? You don’t need hours or even much experience to benefit from a daily practice of meditation.
Being able to bring awareness to your breath and refocus your attention on the present moment can help you manage stress, reduce anxiety, and feel more energized. There are plenty of great reasons to listen to meditation podcasts.
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These podcasts are filled with guided meditations, inspirational quotes, and expert interviews on topics related to yoga, health, stress, sleep, and so much more. Whatever your needs are, there is something for everyone in these top picks.
Click here to read the article “The 21 Best Meditation Podcasts to Listen to Right Now.”
7. “How Bedtime Meditation Can Help Turn Your Brain Off at Night”
We all know that getting enough sleep—and getting good quality sleep—is important for our health and happiness. But what can you do if you can’t fall asleep quickly or sleep soundly once you are asleep? It might be time to try bedtime meditation—mindful meditation techniques designed to help you fall asleep and stay asleep.
Click here to read the article “How Bedtime Meditation Can Help Turn Your Brain Off at Night.”
8. “Best Guided Meditations of 2024”
Let’s face it: Finding peace and calm in the chaos of life can be a real challenge, especially when you’re trying to balance work, social obligations, family, and personal life. That’s where guided meditation can help.
In as little as 10 minutes a day, you can develop a meditation practice that fits your schedule and gives you the space to relax both your mind and body. The benefits of meditation extend far beyond relaxation. In fact, a regular practice of meditation could help reduce anxiety, depression, insomnia, general pain, and high blood pressure.
And the best part? It’s safe, accessible, and fits easily into your day. And don’t worry about sorting through thousands of YouTube videos and websites to find one to try: We did the work for you. Here are the best guided meditations for you to choose from.
Click here to read the article “Best Guided Meditations of 2024.”
9. “Chakra Meditation: What It Is and How to Get Started”
Chakra meditation is an ancient wellness practice that is designed to unlock the energy centers (chakras) in our bodies. Chakra meditation helps us feel more grounded, centered, connected, and peaceful, says Karla Helbert, an internationally certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT) and author of “The Chakras in Grief and Trauma.” If you’re curious about chakra meditation and how to get started with it, here’s everything you need to know.
Click here to read the article “Chakra Meditation: What It Is and How to Get Started.”
10. “The Best Meditation Apps, Tried and Tested in 2024”
Meditation is a great way to refocus and center yourself, but when life is hectic and distracting, it can be difficult to master. Enter meditation apps: technology-based applications that contain guided meditation sessions as short as one minute or as long as 30 minutes.
These apps can help make meditation easier and more intuitive, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. We have rounded up the best meditation apps based on criteria like evidence-based design, expert involvement, practitioner level, ease of navigation, variety of meditations offered, and cost. Use this list to find the perfect fit for your needs.
Click here to read the article “The Best Meditation Apps, Tried and Tested in 2024.”
Complement this list of best meditation articles from VeryWell Mind with Buddhist Meditation: Tranquility, Imagination, and Insight by Kamalashila and then revisit VeryWell Mind artciles on mindfulness and why you should read Mindful America by Jeff Wilson.
I’m a freelance writer and mindfulness advocate behind this blog. What you see here is the combination of my three favorite things: reading, writing, and mindfulness. While you’re here, subscribe to my blog updates and gain access to free mindfulness resources for stress relief.
