Professional burnout, procrastination, depression, and other maladies affect a large percentage of the modern workforce. In the wake of the pandemic lockdowns, increased cost of living, and other external factors, it’s no wonder that people are struggling to maintain their mental health and function. If you’re looking for a way to reduce stress and its effects, consider meditation. Research shows that regular meditation increases productivity and overall happiness. Here is a look at how meditation can help you be more productive.
Stronger Prefrontal Cortex
Research suggests that meditation increases the grey matter in your prefrontal cortex. This is the region of your brain that is responsible for most of your executive functions. When your executive function is weak, you will be fighting procrastination, struggling with focus, and wavering in the face of decisions. This alone has a substantial effect on your productivity.
Quieter Mind
Meditation also helps you control your racing thoughts and enjoy a quieter mind. When you can set aside your worries, schedule, and obligations to focus on the task at hand, you will find that your days are much more productive. Meditation utilizes breathing exercises that help calm the mind and nervous system and allow practitioners to control their thoughts and stay in the present moment more easily.
Better Decision-Making
Many people rely on a sort of mental autopilot when making decisions. They allow their emotions to guide their choices, which doesn’t always lead to the best outcome. Meditation allows you to become more in tune with your own thoughts and actions, allowing you to think more critically and make more calculated decisions.
Improved Happiness
People who meditate regularly often report higher levels of happiness in their day-to-day lives. This increases their motivation and drives, allowing them to be more productive and less bogged down by worries and discouragement.
More Self-Discipline
Finally, meditation makes people more self-aware, which allows for stronger self-discipline. When people are more aware of their own thought patterns, they are better equipped to combat excuses and procrastination, overcoming mental blocks to stay consistent.
Overall, the benefits of meditation for productivity levels are undeniable. You can start meditating by taking just three minutes every morning to look up a free breathing exercise on the internet. Over time, you will be able to see results.