The oldest documented information on meditation dates back to around 5000-3500 BCE. Although it has been around for centuries, its popularity continues to skyrocket as people find out about the many benefits the practice yields.

By definition, meditation means to engage in mental exercise (such as concentration on one’s breathing or repetition of a mantra) for the purpose of reaching a heightened level of spiritual awareness.

When you think of meditation, for the most part, you think of monks you’ve seen in movies, but meditation is more than that. Anyone can meditate, and you can do it for however long you want too as well. Taking at least 5 minutes out of your day to meditate can be a game changer.

1.) Reduces Stress & Anxiety

This may be the most known benefit of meditation, but it for sure is one of the best ones. Studies show that meditation can reduce symptoms in people with stress-triggered medical conditions, as well as anxiety disorders such as panic attacks,  phobias and paranoid thoughts.

2.) Heightens Self- Awareness

Meditation can help you have a better understanding of yourself. While you meditate, it is great to look outside of yourself and think about why you do things the way you do them, and how you could go about changing them. This helps you chip away at everything that isn’t who you actually are, but just who you were conditioned to be.

3.) Improves Empathy

The more you meditate, the more positive emotions you will have, one being empathy. Meditation allows us to feel more connected to ourselves, which in turn allows us to feel more connected to others.

Even though there are three benefits listed here, there are many many more benefits that come with practicing meditation. Taking even 5-10 minutes a day to partake in meditation and it will forever change your life.