Everyone Should Practice Mindfulness As They Age – Here’s Why

Everyone Should Practice Mindfulness As They Age – Here’s Why
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As we age, we do not just get physically older. Our brains change too. The prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for cognitions like planning and problem solving, shrinks. The hippocampus, which handles emotions and memories, also shrinks. This can lead to a variety of issues including hallucinations, anxiety, depression and memory loss.

Treatment for these issues usually involves medication or therapy. However, mindfulness has been shown to help with all of the above. The benefits of mindfulness as we age are not only physical but also emotional and social. Mindfulness is a great way to become more aware of your surroundings and react in the best possible way in any situation.

So what are the benefits of mindfulness as we age?

  1. It reduces stress and anxiety . Mindfulness helps you to deal with stress because you’re focusing on the present moment instead of worrying about the future or regretting the past. You’re able to let go of negative thoughts and emotions which will help you live in a better state of mind and body.
  2. It helps you manage chronic pain . When you’re living in the moment, you’re not focused on pain like someone who lives in their head is. Pain becomes less intense when you realize that it’s a temporary sensation and not something that will last forever.
  3. Better memory: If you want to really learn a new skill or improve your knowledge on a topic, being mindful is one way to do it. Try sitting down with a pen and paper and writing everything you know about something you’re interested in. You’ll probably have a better memory than you think!
  4. Better comprehension: Think about the last time you had trouble understanding what you were reading or seeing. It usually happens because your mind is jumping from thought to thought instead of focusing on what’s right in front of you,

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Anna is an avid blogger with an educational background in medicine and mental health. She is a generalist with many other interests including nutrition, women's health, astronomy and photography. In her free time from work and writing, Anna enjoys nature walks, reading, and listening to jazz and classical music.

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