Benefits of the Mindfulness Meditation Practice
The scientific evidence of the benefits of mindfulness meditation is overwhelming. Researchers are finding new ways of using the practice to improve just about all areas of our lives. Here is a sample of some of the benefits you can expect, both at the individual and organizational levels.
Benefits to Individuals
Lower stress. Numerous studies have demonstrated that mindfulness meditation improves people’s ability to cope with the pressures of modern life, and avoid the health consequences. By calming their emotions, they will achieve greater peace of mind.
Better physical health. Researchers have discovered that the practice helps people overcome many health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and chronic illnesses, which cost millions of dollars in healthcare—not to mention all the pain and suffering. The practice also improves the immune system, and slows the aging process.
Improved mental health. Mindfulness meditation is now being used to treat various mental disorders, such as depression, substance abuse, BPD, PTSD, and more. Practitioners are also reporting higher self-esteem and self-confidence.
Improved relationships. Mindfulness meditation helps practitioners improve their relationships by learning to live in the present moment, and by applying such skills as mindful speech, deep listening, and forgiveness.
Improved cognitive abilities. Researchers have also found that the practice helps people enhance their mental capabilities, such as concentration, abstract thinking, memory, and creativity.
Benefits to Organizations
Lower healthcare costs. According to the CDC, approximately 75 percent of healthcare spending is on chronic illnesses that can be prevented. Through mindful living, employees learn to live healthier lifestyles, leading to lower healthcare expenditures.
Increased productivity. Staff members will become more conscientious in their work, and become more mindful of the organization’s goals and objectives. This will increase their efficiency and effectiveness.
Reduced stress levels. As stress levels in the work environment decrease, communication will increase, leading to greater coordination and synergy within the company.
Greater leadership. Through mindfulness, staff members will be able to see the broader implications of their actions. Their self-confidence will increase, and they will be able to handle greater responsibilities. As they become mindful leaders, they will become visionaries, and more valuable members of the organization.
Increased profitability. As staff members use fewer healthcare resources, increase their productivity, and become more mindful leaders, the organization will see an increase in revenue and profits.
To learn more about how to bring mindfulness into your organization, check out our ebook, “Mindfulness in the Workplace: How organizations are using mindfulness to lower health care costs and increase productivity.”
Need help learning mindfulness meditation? Check out Mindfulness Meditation Made Simple: Your Guide to Finding True Inner peace (paperback).
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