Articles and Scientific research explaining the benefits of regular meditation and mindfulness practice

Key scientific papers – all in the public domain – related to brain science, relationships, well-being, contemplative practice, and related topics.

This list was curated by Ph.D. Student Tomeka Jacobs – see her full bio here.

Mindfulness Meditation Linked to The Reduction of a Key Inflammation Marker

Mindfulness meditation has been linked both to a whole lot of health benefits over the years, from altering cancer survivors' cells to improving heart health. And while it sounds pretty new-age, research has shown that meditation really can change the shape, volume, and connectivity of our brains.

 

The Science of Meditation

From infamous criminals, to powerful corporations, to some of the world’s most successful athletes, meditation has never been so popular. But can it really make you smarter, happier and healthier? ABC Science

 
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The Neurobiology of Meditation and Mindfulness

Neurobiological effects of meditation and mindfulness can be detected in the brain as functional and also structural alterations in grey and white matter, particularly in areas related to attention and memory, interoception and sensory processing, or self- and auto-regulation (including control of stress and emotions).

 
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Meditation Changes the Brain for the Better

Silicon Valley is obsessed with meditation, and there's new evidence it changes the brain for the better. The idea of sitting in a quiet room doing nothing for a few minutes each day might sound absurd — unless you understand how meditation works.

 

The Neuroscience of Mindfulness Meditation

The strongest scientific evidence to date that meditation has positive health benefits comes from two meta-analyses (analyses of data pooled from multiple studies) of meditation research. The first meta-analysis of 47 trials with 3,515 participants found that people participating in mindfulness meditation programs experienced less anxiety, depression, and pain.

 

How Meditation Changes the Brain

We’ve all heard that meditation leads to greater mental clarity, lower levels of stress and reduced anxiety. But how does meditation benefit the brain? Studies have shown that mindfulness practice brings about positive physiological changes that make the connection between meditation and the brain even more profound.

 

What are Brainwaves?

At the root of all our thoughts, emotions and behaviours is the communication between neurons within our brains. Brainwaves are produced by synchronised electrical pulses from masses of neurons communicating with each other.

 
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What is the function of the various brainwaves?

It is well known that the brain is an electrochemical organ; researchers have speculated that a fully functioning brain can generate as much as 10 watts of electrical power.

 
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This Is How Brain Waves Contribute To The State of Mind

It’s important to understand how your brain contributes to the state of your mind. While most of us focus on looking at our emotions in an attempt to become happier, more spiritual beings, our brain waves and our subconscious mind also play a key part in our quest for fulfillment.

 

Alpha Brain Waves Boost Creativity and Reduce Depression

Neuroscientists recently made a correlation between an increase of alpha brain waves—either through electrical stimulation or mindfulness and meditation—and the ability to reduce depressive symptoms and increase creative thinking.

 

How to Supercharge Your Dopamine Levels Naturally and Never Feel Depressed or Anxious Again

Dopamine is the brain’s master “pleasure” chemical. This single neurotransmitter is responsible for a plethora of mental and physical processes. By learning how to stimulate your own dopamine levels naturally, you can overcome depression, anxiety, apathy, and fear, while boosting feelings of pleasure created by this amazing little neuron.

 

Buddha Had It Right: Relax The Mind And Productivity Will Follow

The scientific community now believes that by practicing daily mindfulness we can take advantage of the neuroplasticity of our brains and thereby improve the state of our lives. William James was one of the first psychologists to address the notion of neuroplasticity back in his late 19th century text, The Principles of Psychology. The central idea behind neuroplasticity is that our brain can restructure itself based on our perception and experience.

 

What is the best type of meditation?

Meditation offers time for relaxation and heightened awareness in a stressful world where our senses are often dulled. Research suggests that meditation has the potential for more than just temporary stress relief.