Did you know that mindfulness and meditation practices are some of the best things you can do to stave off cognitive decline and improve your mental and overall brain health? Research keeps confirming it.
"The health benefits of meditation have positively affected the immune system and genetics. Mindfulness has shown an improved anti-inflammatory response and healthy aging." Meditation and Its Mental and Physical Health Benefits, 2023
Research Studies Show Brain Health Benefits of Mindfulness
Other studies back up these findings. Mindfulness practices are commonly linked to enhanced well-being, life satisfaction, and vitality. Researchers reviewed three areas of empirical research: cross-sectional correlational research on the associations between mindfulness and various indicators of psychological health; intervention research on the effects of mindfulness-oriented interventions; and laboratory-based experimental research on the immediate effects of mindfulness inductions on emotional and behavioral functioning.
The findings are encouraging. Mindfulness has been found to bring about many positive psychological effects, including increased subjective well-being, reduced psychological symptoms and emotional reactivity, and improved behavioral regulation. The evidence is particularly promising for higher levels of positive affect, life satisfaction, vitality, and adaptive emotion regulation, as well as lower levels of negative affect and psychopathological symptoms.
Furthermore, emerging evidence from neurobiological and laboratory behavioral research points to the potential roles of trait mindfulness and mindfulness meditation practices in reducing reactivity to emotional stimuli and enhancing psychological well-being.
Meditation, Mindfulness, and Mental Health in Recovery
In an episode of Positive Recovery MD titled "Empower Your Mind: Helpful Practices for Mental Health Awareness," Dr. Jason Powers discusses the importance of meditation and mindfulness practices and how mental illness and substance use disorder go hand in hand. As Dr. Powers highlights, nearly 80% of individuals he sees being treated for substance use disorders also struggle with a co-occurring mental illness.
"If you're not treating addiction and mental illness, you're not treating either." Dr. Jason Powers
The truth is, when helping individuals with the underlying reasons behind substance use, we have a significantly higher chance of assisting them to fully recover. Our minds are powerful machines, and our approach to healing should be as comprehensive and integrated as possible. By addressing both mental illness and addiction together through dual diagnosis care, we can unlock a more effective path to recovery.
Mental Health and Addiction Together?
Our dual diagnosis program treats both at the same time. Confidential conversation, available around the clock.
The Best Time to Practice Meditation and Mindfulness
Now that we know integrating healthy coping skills like meditation and mindfulness are vital to both our mental health and addiction recovery, when is the best time to incorporate these practices?
"Meditation and mindfulness are things to practice when all is calm and well. During the easy times, we can build up the strength to apply when things happen and when we are stressed. In the middle of a panic attack, it is not the time to start practicing mindfulness or meditation." Dr. Jason Powers
Starting your journey with meditation and mindfulness during quieter, calm moments in life is vital because it builds resilience for when life becomes more challenging. Think of it as a mental gym where you strengthen your mind's resilience muscles. By establishing a regular practice, you ensure that when life inevitably throws challenges your way, you are ready to handle them with a calmer, more centered approach.
If you wait to instill these healthy coping skills until you are experiencing high levels of anxiety, stress, or depression, it significantly reduces their effectiveness. However, focusing on your mental health by strengthening your mind's resilience during the calm before the storm, focusing on your breath, or finding gratitude amongst the chaos is proven more effective.
Find the Support You Need
You do not have to go at this alone. Surrounding yourself with a supportive community can help guide you back on track.
"Make sure you have professional help if needed, and find something you enjoy doing during the down and easy times. When you-know-what hits the fan, it is not the time to develop the resources. It is time to hold on. During those times, surround yourself with trusted people who can help you get through it." Dr. Jason Powers
If you or someone you know is struggling with an alcohol or drug addiction, we are here to help. Many of us have walked this same path and want to see you succeed. Call 713-904-4699 to speak with a substance use professional today. Medical detox and residential treatment are available across Texas.