The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about uncertainty in our lives. So far we're unaware of when we will be back to our routine lines. While we are practising specific protocols to contain the spread of the virus, we still haven't found a cure for it – this is causing people to fear the unknown. Studies prove that stress correlates with uncertainty. When something is unknown, the anticipation of it triggers stress in our minds. On average, we think close to 50,000 thoughts in a day. With the stress that we're all collectively going through, our daily thought count may have increased. So it's no surprise that we can find it hard to de-clutter our overactive minds during this difficult time. For the same reason, it is of utmost importance at this point to calm our minds so that we can see things in a positive light. This is where meditation comes to our aid. Meditation is the practice that helps us train our minds to develop concentration, clarity, emotional positivity, and inner calm. Meditation has been practiced in various communities since ancient times. But we see a surge in its usage in the modern world due to its many benefits. Here's how it can make you positive, happy, and healthy.

Here's how it can make you positive, happy and healthy.

Stress can damage our physical and mental health by triggering anxiety, raising blood pressure and causing other associated conditions. Meditation reduces the release of the stress hormone - cortisol. Rutgers University doctor discovered that meditators had a nearly in cortisol levels. The reduced stress improves heart rate and breathing and decreases muscular tension, blood pressure – all of which are important for a healthy body.

Stress can damage our physical and mental health by triggering anxiety, raising blood pressure, and causing other associated conditions. Meditation reduces the release of the stress hormone - cortisol. Rutgers University doctor discovered that meditators had a nearly 50% reduction in cortisol levels. The reduced stress improves heart rate and breathing and decreases muscular tension, blood pressure – all of which are important for a healthy body.

MRI scans of the brain show that the 'fight or flight' region involved in how we respond to stress shrinks after two months of meditation. At the same time, the pre-frontal cortex that's thought to be linked to social behaviour and decision-making grows, suggesting that meditation can help our mind disconnect from its center of stress. During this period of chaos and confusion, we must think of solutions. And this can be achieved when we have a happier mind.

Sunlight plays a significant role in regulating our daily sleep-wake schedule. Since the lockdown, our bodies have not been getting exposed to enough sunlight. As a result, there have been increasing reports of people not getting enough sleep. Meditation helps calm the mind by enabling us to focus on the present. It aids us in untying our thoughts and helps us gain greater clarity and control over our reactions and responses. This, in turn, helps us to get a sound sleep.

Like all other muscles, the mind too needs to be exercised – strengthened and relaxed to keep it supple. Studies show a link between meditation and brain ageing. Meditation can protect the mind from cognitive decline. Other lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise and education too play a role. However, they're not enough. So meditation is your key to a younger and high functioning mind.

The first step to a positive and happy mind is to learn to meditate the right way.