Unlocking the Brain: Meditation Insights with Dr. Sara Lazar
With meditation, we get to step back and we start seeing our mind almost as if it's a second person and it's someone else saying it.
What if a few minutes of quiet could reshape your brain and boost your mental health? Dr. Sara Lazar, head of the Lazar Lab at Harvard University, joins Jon Cohan and Abby Dean on The Right Mind Media Podcast to discuss just that. Dr. Lazar's research dives into how yoga and meditation affect our thoughts, emotions, and even brain structure.
She explains that meditation helps us step back from our thoughts and view them without getting overwhelmed, which can be a game-changer for those battling anxiety or depression. She also highlights how consistent meditation practice can lead to measurable changes in brain size and activity. In this engaging episode, Dr. Lazar emphasizes the importance of finding a meditation style that suits you, whether it's focusing on your breath, a flickering candle, or an intricate pattern.
Consistency is key, she notes, as even a few minutes a day can yield significant benefits. The conversation also touches on how meditation and mindfulness are being used in schools to help students manage stress and improve focus. Dr. Lazar shares fascinating insights into the immediate effects of meditation on heart rate and breathing, as well as the long-term benefits of regular practice.
Whether you're new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, this episode offers valuable information on how these practices can enhance your mental health and overall well-being.