Practicing a Couple Minutes of Meditation Might Help Reduce Your Stress

Research has long shown that meditation influences brain function, but exactly when changes begin after starting — and how they evolve with continued meditation — has been less clear. A recent study suggests even a few minutes of the practice can positively affect your brain.

In the study, published in the March edition of Mindfulness, researchers analyzed electroencephalogram (EEG) brain wave data of 103 people practicing isha yoga breath watching, a simple meditation that involves paying attention to natural breathing. With this type of meditation, you bring your focus back to the inhale and exhale if your mind wanders. Previous studies have shown this quiet, attentive state can promote relaxation and lower stress levels.

The study included people who had never meditated, those who were new at it and those who had advanced experience. The researchers looked at how the participants’ brain wave activity changed during a 10-minute meditation session. Within just two or three minutes, all groups showed EEG changes that suggest a more relaxed state.

Please select this link to read the complete article from The Washington Post.