The science behind meditation: how meditation can slow the rate of aging and reduce stress?

Have you ever sat an exam and noticed that you've come down with a cold whilst studying? What about feeling run down when going through a traumatic change or life event? Stress is something that we all feel and most of the time we know that it's not good for us, but why is this and what can we do about it?

My legal background reminds me to always do my research. Just one of the many published studies on the benefits of meditation show that even at a cellular level meditation (among other things) can help reduce chronic stress and depression. The study available here led by Nobel Prize-winning scientist Elizabeth Blackburn looked at how telomeres are linked to chronic stress exposure and depression.

Telomere's cap and protect the end of our chromosomes. Think of these as the protective plastic caps at the end of your shoelaces. Generally speaking the longer your telomeres the better.

The study found that people who practiced meditation or mindfulness regularly had better telomere maintenance (which helps keep those protective shields healthy).

In addition to this the study shows that:

• Meditation may slow down telomere shortening by reducing stress which lowers levels of cortisol (linked to telomere shortening)

• It boosts the activity of an enzyme called telomerase, which helps repair and maintain telomeres

What can we take away from this?

• Regular meditation could promote healthier aging by protecting your DNA.

• It’s not just about living longer—it’s about improving quality of life and reducing the risks of stress-related diseases.

• Meditation improves mental and physical healthy by protecting the very building blocks of life showing that a calm mind can really lead to a healthier body.