Meditation has been found to have a profound effect on the brain, both in the short-term and long-term. In the short-term, meditation has been shown to improve focus, reduce stress, and increase relaxation. Studies have found that those who meditate regularly have greater activity in the prefrontal cortex, which is associated with concentration and focus. Additionally, those who meditate experience a decrease in activity in the amygdala, which is associated with stress.
Long-term changes to the brain associated with meditation include increased grey matter in the hippocampus, which is associated with learning and memory. This has been linked to improved cognitive performance in areas like problem-solving, memory recall, and decision-making. Meditation has also been linked to increased grey matter in the prefrontal cortex and temporal cortex, which are associated with emotional regulation and self-control.
In addition to the physical changes to the brain, meditation has also been linked to increased levels of serotonin, dopamine, and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). These neurotransmitters are involved in regulating mood, focus, and relaxation. Studies have found that regular meditation can lead to increased levels of these neurotransmitters, which can lead to improved mental health.
Overall, meditation has been found to have a significant effect on the brain, both in the short-term and in the long-term. Regular meditation can lead to increased focus, improved cognitive performance, and increased levels of serotonin, dopamine, and GABA – all of which can lead to improved mental health.