As meditation becomes increasingly popular in the West, more and more individuals are hearing about its benefits. What exactly are these benefits, and are they real? Decades of research has examined these very questions and affirmed the wide-ranging benefits of a regular meditation practice.

On a physical level, meditation tends to increase energy levels and aid in regulating both sleep and digestion. Regular meditators tend to enjoy decreased blood pressure and heart rate, as well as a boosted immune system. Meditators get sick less often and stay sick for shorter periods.

Several emotional benefits also exist, many of which tie into the physical advantages of meditation. For example, meditators can better manage their stress, anxiety, and depression, which ties into better sleep and lower blood pressure. Meditation increases resilience in the face of change and helps practitioners to construct stronger interpersonal relationships.

Researchers have also looked at the effects of meditation on mental functioning. Regular meditators often have a better memory and prove more capable of making a decision and standing by it with confidence.