Practicing meditation or mindfulness techniques is, at least anecdotally, expected to smooth your way to a more joyful, more healthful life. But what does science say about these practices? Meditation "keeps our minds and hearts calm, peaceful, and loving, i.e., in the right place," a casual practicant of mindfulness. Indeed, most people who become interested in meditation are drawn to it thanks to the widespread notion that it will help them feel calmer, more balanced, and less exposed to the effects of daily stress.

Meditation is in no way, shape or form another training. Actually, it has been around for hundreds, if not thousands, of years and a piece of various societies. Initially, Meditation had solid ties with religion — not only Buddhism, with which individuals normally partner it — yet additionally with Christian practices. Indeed, many people today with different religious beliefs like to incorporate meditation as a spiritual practice. Mostly, however, and especially in Western countries, meditation has moved away from its spiritual and devotional roots, becoming more of a straightforward practice for mental health and general well-being.

There are numerous sorts, including cherishing thoughtfulness contemplation, care reflection, and supernatural reflection. Mindfulness has also branched out as a series of practices involving focusing on small details in the present moment. The aim is to help a person stay rooted in the here and now and de-escalate unwelcome feelings or moods, such as episodes of anxiety. People who engage with mindfulness techniques and meditation often allege that these practices allow them to boost or maintain various aspects of their well-being. But what has research found about the effects of meditation on the mind and the body, and are there any potential harms involved? In this Spotlight feature, we investigate.