Physical Benefits of Meditation

• Deep rest-as measured by decreased metabolic rate, lower heart rate, and reduced work load of the heart. 
• Lowered levels of cortisol and lactate-two chemicals associated with stress. 
• Reduction of free radicals- unstable oxygen molecules that can cause tissue damage. They are now thought to be a major factor in aging and in many diseases. 
• Decreased high blood pressure. 
• Higher skin resistance. Low skin resistance is correlated with higher stress and anxiety levels. 
• Drop in cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is associated with cardiovascular disease. 
• Improved flow of air to the lungs resulting in easier breathing. This has been very helpful to asthma patients. 
• Younger biological age. On standard measures of aging, long-term Transcendental Meditation (TM) practitioners (more than five years) measured 12 years younger than their chronological age. 
• Higher levels of DHEAS in the elderly. An additional sign of youthfulness through Transcendental Meditation (TM); lower levels of DHEAS are associated with aging.

Psychological Benefits of Meditation

• Increased brain wave coherence. Harmony of brain wave activity in different parts of the brain is associated with greater creativity, improved moral reasoning, and higher IQ. 
• Decreased anxiety. 
• Decreased depression. 
• Decreased irritability and moodiness. 
• Improved learning ability and memory. 
• Increased self-actualization. 
• Increased feelings of vitality and rejuvenation. 
• Increased happiness. 
• Increased emotional stability. 
• The awareness that meditation brings can be a source of personal insight and self-understanding.