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The human brain has long been regarded as one of the most versatile parts of the body due to neuroplasticity. This is basically the concept where people can change the properties of their gray matter by introducing particular stimuli. In recent research papers, scientists are seeing indications that meditating can lead to a brain that is decades younger than the body and a heightened level of selflessness.
As Futurism notes, there have been numerous studies related to the effects of meditation on neuroplasticity. One of these is the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health study that found how meditation can help decrease anxiety and depression just as well as drugs.
There are also studies that note how meditation can affect certain parts of the brain in order to make them seem younger. There were even cases where patients 50 years of age had similar gray matter levels to those 25 years their junior. One of the biggest benefits to this kind of result includes the prevention of dementia or some other type of neurological degradation.
With regards to the psychological effects of meditation, it has long been accepted that the practice is meant to encourage peace of mind. However, a Yale study also discovered that it can make people less selfish. The study also found that it helped to increase concentration as well as to be more considerate of others.
Even overcoming smoking addiction has been the subject of research involving meditation, with some cases reporting success rates of 60 percent. The same goes for cases where self-control is an issue, so it basically applies to pretty much any kind of addiction.
All in all, numerous scientific literature are now suggesting that meditation is a solution to many of the problems that people often address via drugs or some other form of addictive activity. Heck, it can even supplant exercise, though, it’s always best to combine both.
