Meditation comes in various forms, each with its own techniques and benefits, aimed at managing mental and physical emotions. It is a valuable self-care routine, especially recommended for those dealing with work-related stress or anxiety. Among the many types of meditation, transcendental meditation (TM) has gained attention since its introduction in the 1950s. Let’s explore what TM is and the benefits it offers.
Transcendental meditation is a method where you calmly repeat a mantra in your mind, which helps your body relax deeply and reach a state of pure consciousness. Typically practiced in the morning, it’s a powerful way to achieve a restful state. To perform it, sit comfortably in a quiet room for about 20 minutes, close your eyes, and silently repeat a mantra. This technique can also be incorporated into yoga sessions to enhance both mental and physical rejuvenation. A mantra is a sound, not necessarily an English word, repeated to focus your mind. Common sounds like “Om” may come to mind, but there are many others you can explore.
There are numerous reasons why people practice transcendental meditation, each tied to various health benefits. TM can help lower blood pressure, improve sleep quality, and reduce or distract from physical pain. It can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, making it a useful coping mechanism for PTSD and can boost self-esteem. TM enhances cognitive functions such as productivity, performance, and problem-solving skills. It also improves creativity, intelligence, and overall awareness, alongside energy levels, focus, and memory. This form of meditation also helps clarify thoughts and feelings. It fosters compassion, gratitude, and enhances overall quality of life and inner peace.
It’s also recommended by professionals to assist with addiction. It helps produce chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and GABA, reducing the need for substances like alcohol or nicotine that people typically use to trigger these feelings. Transcendental meditation is one of the more popular forms of meditation but can be challenging without professional training to unlock its full benefits. While there are many online resources, seeking out a local meditation class may help you get the most out of this practice.