What happens to the body when you meditate?

When you meditate, your body experiences a number of physiological and neurological changes that help promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. Here are some of the most important things that happen to your body during meditation:

1. Reduced stress response : During meditation, the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for promoting relaxation and calmness, is activated. This leads to a decrease in the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which is linked to the fight-or-flight response and stress reactions.
2. Lowered blood pressure and heart rate : Meditation can lead to a reduction in both blood pressure and heart rate, which are indicators of reduced stress levels and relaxation.
3. Deeper breathing : Through focused breathing exercises during meditation, breathing can become deeper and slower, which helps calm the nervous system and promote relaxation.
4. Increased blood flow to the brain : Research has shown that meditation can lead to increased blood flow to areas of the brain associated with attention, emotion regulation, and cognitive function.
5. Reduced muscle tension : In response to relaxation techniques and focused attention on the body, muscles can gradually relax, and a feeling of lightness and relaxation is often experienced in the body.
6. Balanced hormonal activity : Meditation can affect the production of stress hormones such as cortisol, and promote the release of hormones linked to well-being and relaxation, such as serotonin and endorphins.
7. Improved immune function : Some studies suggest that meditation may help strengthen the immune system's response, possibly by reducing inflammation and supporting the body's natural defense mechanisms.
8. Changes in brain wave states : During meditation, the brain can show different patterns of electrical activity, including an increased incidence of alpha waves, which are associated with relaxation and presence.

These effects of meditation may be short-lived and experienced during the meditation session itself, but regular practice can lead to more lasting changes in how your body handles stress and maintains overall health and well-being.