When I first signed up for yoga teacher training in India, I had two things in mind: escaping the winter chill and getting some physical movement. Mindfulness meditation? That was just part of the package. But during my time there, consistent mindfulness became an unexpected cornerstone of my experience. It was transformative in ways I didn’t anticipate.
However, when I returned to the UK, my “science brain” took over. I needed to understand why it had such a profound impact on me. It wasn’t enough to just feel better—I wanted the research to back it up, especially as health is one of my core values. As I dove into the science behind mindfulness, what I found was astounding.
Studies show that consistent mindfulness meditation leads to measurable benefits in the brain and body. Among the findings:
- Increased grey matter in the brain
- Enhanced emotional regulation and self-awareness
- More frequent time spent in a flow state
- Improved decision-making abilities
- Better memory retention
- Slower aging
- A reduced likelihood of experiencing mental health issues
These discoveries made me wonder why mindfulness isn’t more widely embraced. Why don’t we prescribe meditation on the NHS or teach it in schools? The benefits are clear, but I think the issue lies in our tendency to seek quick fixes. We often want the solution without the effort.
This is where we need to take ownership of our health. There’s no shortcut—well-ness takes time, just as sickness does. We must invest in what works for us and be willing to put in the effort consistently.
The truth is, mindfulness isn’t something you can bottle up or take in pill form. But if we commit to the practice, the rewards—just like health—are invaluable.