While stress is a natural and sometimes necessary response to potential danger, prolonged or chronic stress can negatively affect your physical and mental health.
The good news is that during the practice of Transcendental Meditation, the physiological response of your body
to TM is the opposite of your body’s stress response. During TM, as your mind experiences quieter, subtler levels
of the thinking process and transcends thought altogether, your body gains profound rest, much deeper than that of ordinary relaxation.
Read on to learn what stress can do to the body and how TM can reverse the damage stress can cause, thus improving your physical and mental health.
Impact on Memory
Chronic stress can impair memory and cognitive function. High levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, can affect the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory consolidation, leading to memory problems and difficulty in
learning new information.
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Accelerated Ageing
Stress can accelerate the ageing process at a cellular and even a genetic level. Chronic stress shortens the
length of telomeres, the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes, which are associated with cellular ageing and
overall health.
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Weakened Digestion
Stress can wreak havoc on the digestive system. It can lead to an imbalance of gut bacteria, which affects digestion and can contribute to issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other gastrointestinal problems.
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Hair Loss
Stress disrupts the normal hair growth cycle, leading to excessive hair shedding. Prolonged stress can contribute to significant hair loss, a condition known as telogen effluvium.
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Aggravation of Skin Conditions:
Stress can worsen skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Stress-induced inflammation can trigger or
exacerbate these skin conditions.
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Weakening of the Immune System
Chronic stress weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and illnesses. It can also slow down the healing process.
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Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Long-term stress can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes.
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Impact on Fertility
Stress can interfere with a woman’s reproductive hormones and menstrual cycles, potentially affecting fertility.
In men, chronic stress can lead to reduced sperm production and motility.
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Altered Eating Habits
Stress can affect eating behaviours, leading to overeating or undereating. Some individuals may turn to comfort foods high in sugar, fat, and salt, which can have negative health consequences.
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Negative Impact on Relationships
Chronic stress can strain relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. It may lead to irritability, withdrawal, and difficulty in communication.
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Sleep Disturbances
Stress can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or poor-quality sleep. Lack of proper rest can further
exacerbate stress and create a cycle of sleep-stress disruption.
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Mental Health Disorders
Prolonged stress increases the risk of developing mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Constant alertness and worry can affect a person’s mental well-being.
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The deep and nourishing rest of Transcendental meditation reverses the effect of long-term stress on the body, mind, and emotions. Here are some of the ways TM can help
Effective Stress Reduction: Several studies have shown that practising TM significantly decreases stress levels. Regular TM practice activates the body’s relaxation response, reducing physiological arousal, creating and a sense of calmness
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Decreased Cortisol Levels: Cortisol is a hormone associated with the body’s stress response Research suggests that TM practice reduces cortisol levels, indicating reduced stress.
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Reduced Anxiety: Regular practice of TM helps individuals experience less anxiety and creates more emotional stability. Studies show that TM is twice as effective as other techniques in reducing trait anxiety.
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Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is often associated with stress. Extensive research shows that TM practice can lower blood pressure levels, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular issues linked to chronic stress.
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Brain Activity: Neuroimaging studies have shown that TM practice can lead to changes in brain activity, including increased alpha brain wave activity, which is associated with relaxation and stress reduction. These changes in brain wave patterns are associated with improved brain functioning
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Quality of Life: TM practitioners report improvements in their overall quality of life including enhanced emotional well-being and greater resilience in dealing with stressors. They are more likely to feel that who they are is close to who they want to be.
The positive effects of TM on stress reduction are cumulative and, with regular practice, become more pronounced over time. During TM, meditators experience a deep state of relaxation and calmness that become a common experience in their day-to-day lives. Situations that cause a stress reaction are taken in stride, with no adverse effects on their being.
When combined with other stress-management tools, such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep, TM can contribute to a more comprehensive approach to stress reduction and greater happiness in life.
