Department of Family Services – Domestic and Sexual Violence Services

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
703-324-5730 TTY 711
12011 Government Center Parkway, Pennino Building, Floor 7, Suite 740
Fairfax, VA 22035
Toni Zollicoffer
Director

Volunteer Voices – Self-Care: The Health Benefits of Meditation

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Meditation is good for your health. In fact, there is a wealth of research that has documented this:

  1. Reduced stress: Meditation may decrease stress. It also can improve symptoms of stress-related conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder and fibromyalgia.
  2. Lower blood pressure: Over time, blood pressure decreases in people who meditate regularly. This can reduce strain on the heart and blood vessels and help prevent heart disease.
  3. Less pain: Meditation can reduce pain and boost emotion regulation. Together with medical care, this may help treat chronic pain.
  4. silhouette person sitting facing sunsetImproved memory: Better focus through regular meditation may increase memory and mental clarity. These benefits can help fight age-related memory loss and dementia.
  5. Increased attention: Meditation helps with attention span, good for when you hit that after-lunch wall.
  6. Enhanced will power: Meditation develops the mental discipline needed to avoid bad habits.
  7. Less anxiety: Regular meditation helps reduce anxiety and related mental health issues.
  8. Less depression: Meditation can help reduce the occurrence of depression.
  9. Better sleep: Meditation can shorten the time it takes to fall asleep and improve sleep quality.
  10. Greater compassion: Meditation can help you better understand yourself and increase positive feelings and actions toward others.

This article posting is part of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services' Volunteer Voices monthly newsletter for current and potential volunteers. If you're not already a volunteer, learn how to get involved. Find out about upcoming trainings, volunteer trainings, happenings around the DSVS office and information about articles, books, media recommendations and more.

Learn more about the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS).

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