Your Brain On... Meditation

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Aug 28, 2024

Discover the transformative power of meditation on brain health and emotional well-being. Experts discuss how this ancient practice rewires the brain, enhances focus, and combats stress. Learn about the addictive nature of social media and how mindfulness can reclaim attention. Explore various meditation techniques and their proven benefits, even with just a few minutes a day. The conversation also emphasizes the need for human guidance in using meditation apps and the neurological impact of mindfulness on our daily lives.

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INSIGHT

Brain Changes During Meditation

Breathing-focused practices increase insula activity and reduce amygdala activity.
This downregulates negative emotions and engages frontal lobes, benefiting memory and cognitive control.

INSIGHT

Neuroplasticity and Mindfulness

Mindfulness training causes enduring neuroplastic changes, similar to physical exercise strengthening muscles.
Consistent practice, like 12-15 minutes daily, alters brain networks and improves attention, meta-awareness, and mood.

ANECDOTE

Caregiver Study

A study on dementia caregivers found that both yoga and music reduced stress.
Yoga improved cognitive control, gene expression related to inflammation, and self-awareness.

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Meditation: an ancient practice with brain health benefits proven by modern science.

Whether you're focusing on your breathing to quieten peripheral distractions or using mindfulness to rebalance your emotional reactivity to everyday stresses, practicing meditation can spark long-term neuroplastic changes that will help you feel more attentive and calm in everything you do.

In 'Your Brain On... Meditation', we explore:

• How meditation alters your brain chemistry and 'retrains' your broader nervous system

• The neuroscience of attention and focus, including your default mode and salience networks

• Using mindfulness to break phone addiction, reduce stress, improve relationships, and practice self-care

• The studies which highlight the long-term cognitive benefits of meditation

• How we can all make time for meditation, no matter how busy our schedules

• The limitations and risks of meditation apps

Joining us for this important conversation are three fantastic guests:

DR. AMISHI JHA, a Professor of Psychology at the University of Miami, a pioneer in the study of mindfulness and attention, and the author of the acclaimed book 'Peak Mind'

DR. CLIFFORD SARON, a neuroscientist and Associate Research Scientist at the Center for Mind and Brain at the University of California, Davis, renowned for his work on the neurobiological effects of meditation

DR. HELEN LAVRETSKY, a Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA and a leading researcher in geriatric psychiatry, who has extensively studied the effects of meditation and yoga on mental health and aging

'Your Brain On' is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

Drs. Ayesha and Dean are now welcoming patients via the Brain Health Institute: https://brainhealthinstitute.com/

'Your Brain On... Meditation' • SEASON 3 • EPISODE 4

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LINKS

Dr. Amishi Jha:

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0062992155/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&qid=&sr=

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amishipjha/

On Twitter: https://x.com/amishijha

Dr. Clifford Saron:

Center for Mind and Brain: https://mindbrain.ucdavis.edu/people/clifford-saron

Dr. Helen Lavretsky:

At UCLA: https://www.uclahealth.org/providers/helen-lavretsky

Study on yogic meditation for dementia caregivers: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3423469/