The best meditation practices for your brain
Mindfulness is a hot topic, with its benefits linked to supporting mental health, lowering stress, […]
A mindfulness practice trains the brain to stay focused, alert, and at peace with the now
Even the most seasoned biohackers struggle with maintaining a consistent mindfulness practice. But it’s worth keeping at it to reap the benefits of improved focus, clarity, and emotional regulation. Try these tips.
These days, mindfulness is a hot topic, having gained significant attention over the past few decades due to its potential benefits for mental health, stress management, and even brain function. Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present in where we are and what we are doing.1 It encompasses a range of practices, including meditation, as well as physical activities like walking, standing, and yoga.
Meditation is perhaps the most well-known form of mindfulness. Generally speaking, meditation is a specific form of mindfulness, involving the more formal practice of focusing your attention on a specific point of focus.2
There are many different forms of meditation practices. Here are some of the most popular styles:3.4
Though all of these are similar in nature, each practice is slightly different and results in different effects on the body and the brain.
Not only has meditation demonstrated positive effects on our bodies, but research also shows it benefits our brains.
Some research suggests that not all meditation practices should be treated equally. Different meditation styles may target different areas of your brain.5 For instance, mindfulness meditation has been shown to induce changes in brain regions involved in task management and attention,6 while loving-kindness meditation has been found to increase activity in brain regions responsible for processing emotions and emotional responses. 7 This diversity in the effects of different types of meditation could be particularly relevant for individuals seeking to improve specific areas of their lives. That said, in general, research suggests meditation can increase cognition, memory, and attention, while decreasing emotional reactivity, stress, anxiety, and depression, over time.8
In addition to its other benefits, meditation can also lower stress levels, helping people feel calmer and potentially lowering levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.5 This leads to improved cognitive function, as stress is linked to decreases in cognitive abilities such as focus.
The evidence is clear: establishing a regular meditation practice can have a multitude of benefits for both the body and mind. Although it may initially feel challenging to start a meditation practice, persistence, and consistency can pay off with time, leading to noticeable changes in one’s mental and physical well-being.
“Mindfulness and meditation are essential mental safeguards that break us from unconscious thinking and create the space to course correct our lives.”
The n.o.w. Tone Therapy System is a 3-minute awakening aid designed to play for only 3 minutes. It brings quick, effective stress and anxiety relief and better focus.
The system consists of two palm-sized speakers that play together to create an ever-changing stream of pleasant, bell-like tone sequences that are composed in the moment and never repeat.
n.o.w.’s tone sequences are always new, abstract and non-verbal. n.o.w.’s special tones cut through the chaos in our minds to bring relief to our body and being.
With consistent use, you will find that moments of peace are more abundant and available to you. It’s Yoga for Your Mind®.
1. What is Mindfulness? (2023).Mindful. https://www.mindful.org/what-is-mindfulness/
2. Schultz, J. (2020). 5 Differences Between Mindfulness and Meditation. PositivePsychology.com. https://positivepsychology.com/differences-between-mindfulness-meditation/
3. Silverton, L. (2020). 12 Types of meditation: A Breakdown Of The 12 Major Styles. Mindbodygreen. https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/the-12-major-types-of-meditation-explained-simply
4. Scott, E., PhD. (2020). 5 Meditation Techniques to Get You Started. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/different-meditation-techniques-for-relaxation-3144696
5. Williams, C. (2018). Different meditation types train distinct parts of your brain. New Scientist. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2149489-different-meditation-types-train-distinct-parts-of-your-brain/
6. Valk, S. L., Bernhardt, B. C., Trautwein, F., Böckler, A., Kanske, P., Guizard, N., Collins, D. L., & Singer, T. (2017). Structural plasticity of the social brain: Differential change after socio-affective and cognitive mental training. Science Advances, 3(10). https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.1700489
7. Luders, E., Toga, A. W., Lepore, N., & Gaser, C. (2009). The underlying anatomical correlates of long-term meditation: Larger hippocampal and frontal volumes of gray matter. NeuroImage, 45(3), 672–678. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2008.12.061
8. Boynton, E. (2021). How Meditation Affects Your Brain and Boosts Well-Being. Right as Rain by UW Medicine. https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/mind/well-being/science-behind-meditation#:~:text=Mindfulness%20meditation%20is%20the%20practice,down%20your%20sympathetic%20nervous%20system.
By adopting spirituality and faith-based practices, you can create a personal connection with source, supporting your biohacking goals of optimum brain health and inner peace.
Spirituality and mindfulness are two practices that have gained a lot of attention in recent years. While spirituality refers to the search for a deeper meaning and purpose in life, mindfulness involves being present and fully engaged in the present moment. When used together, these two practices can help create a greater sense of inner peace, happiness, and fulfillment.
Spirituality is a broad concept that encompasses the belief in something greater than ourselves.1 It often aims to answer big questions about what it means to be human. It can be a source of comfort and relief from stress, improving quality of life.2 Spirituality has no single definition and can vary from person to person. For some, it may involve a religious figure or a higher power, while for others, it may be found in nature.3 There is no right or wrong answer as to what constitutes “spirituality” — it is simply a matter of what feels right for you.
Scientists have discovered that spirituality, or believing in something outside of yourself, can change the neurochemistry in your brain.3 Having a connection to spirituality activates your brain reward center in the same ways as love, sex, gambling, and music. In fact, there is a term for the study of the relationship between the brain and religion known as “neurotheology”.4
Studies examining the impact of spiritual practices on the brain suggest that spirituality can result in positive neurochemical changes associated with improved sleep, a happier mood, greater pleasure, and reduced stress.5 Furthermore, spiritual practices have been shown to bring about physical changes in brain regions involved in attention, emotional processing, learning, and memory and sensory processing, leading to improvements in these functions.
Spiritual practices may play a role in protecting the brain against cognitive decline. A review of the literature has revealed that the concept of “spiritual fitness,” which focuses on psychological and spiritual well-being, may reduce several risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Seeing as the term “spirituality” is so broad, there are many different types of spiritual practices, all of which can be beneficial. These include:
All of these have demonstrated benefits on our happiness and well-being, and it may take some time to find the one which resonates most with you. However, regardless of which practice you choose, it is important to remember that there is no wrong choice.
“I truly believe that only when Spirit and Science are reunited will we be afforded the means to create a better world.”
1. Scott, E., PhD. (2023). How Spirituality Can Benefit Your Health and Well-Being. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/how-spirituality-can-benefit-mental-and-physical-health-3144807
2. Akbari, M., Hossaini, S.M. (2018). The Relationship of Spiritual Health with Quality of Life, Mental Health, and Burnout: The Mediating Role of Emotional Regulation. Iran J Psychiatry. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29892314/
3. Wachob, J. (2020). I’m A Psychiatrist & This Is How Spirituality Changes Your Brain. Mindbodygreen. https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/this-is-your-brain-on-spirituality
4. Sayadmansour, A. (2014). Neurotheology: The relationship between brain and religion. Iran J Psychiatry. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3968360/
5. Mohandas, E. (2008). Neurobiology of Spirituality. Mens Sana Monographs, 6(1), 63. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-1229.33001
6. Meditative practice and spiritual wellbeing may preserve cognitive function in aging. (2021). ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/05/210511123727.htm
7. Spiritual Practice Toolkit (n.d.) Spirituality & Practice. https://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/practices/features/view/27713/spiritual-practice-toolkit
It’s hard to believe that something as simple as breathing can transform the way you think. Yet, it can. Breathwork practices, combined with intention, have been shown to dramatically improve brain function, mental clarity, and emotional regulation.
Breathing is something we often take for granted. It’s so automatic that we can go hours without realizing we’ve been doing it. Breathwork is an up-and-coming practice that involves consciously using our breath to bypass the mind and enter a different state of awareness.1 By keeping the brain’s frontal lobe occupied — the area responsible for planning, judgment, and organization — breathwork allows us to reach a deeper state of consciousness where healing, spirituality, and love can be found.
Breathwork techniques involve different practices of inhaling and exhaling. Some involve equal breaths, while others focus on longer inhales or exhales. Each achieves a different goal. Research has found that practicing breathwork with longer exhales than inhales signals the body to enter a parasympathetic state, which can lower blood pressure and reduce cortisol levels (stress hormone).2 Additionally, coherent breathing, which involves long, slow breathing, has been connected to decreasing depressive symptoms.3 Slow breathing techniques have also been associated with enhancing different brain functions related to emotional control and psychological well-being.4
The prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for critical thinking, planning, and judgment, the hippocampus, which is associated with learning and memory, and the amygdala, which plays a crucial role in emotional processing, are among the areas of the brain most influenced by breathwork.5
There are various types of breathwork techniques, each with a unique purpose and effect.1
Here are three types of breathwork to get you started:6
“Once we take control of this unconscious ability to breathe, we can then harness all of the power within that and use it to do some incredible things.”
Learn how to breathe better and positively influence your mental and physical well-being. Discover how to use your breath to improve focus during stressful situations and enhance meditation. This book includes techniques for calming down, increasing energy, and strengthening breathing muscles.
This book provides step-by-step instructions on several proven and effective breathing exercises and techniques that can help you reduce stress, decrease anxiety, improve sleep quality, and boost your health. Whether you’re a beginner or have prior experience, this book is designed to be accessible to all. Experience the life-changing benefits of breathwork.
The Wim Hof Method is about reconnecting to ourselves, to others, and to nature. The first pillar of the Wim Hof Method® is breathing. Heightened oxygen levels hold a treasure trove of benefits, and the specialized breathing technique of the Wim Hof Method® unearths them all: more energy, reduced stress levels, and an augmented immune response.
1. Dittmar, G. (2022). Breathwork: How to tap into the incredible power of breath. Mindbodygreen. https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/what-breathwork-is
2. Berzin, R. (2020). A Simple Breathing Exercise To Calm Your Mind & Body. Mindbodygreen. https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/a-parasympathetic-breathing-exercise-to-calm-your-mind-body
3. Streeter, C. C., Gerbarg, P. L., Whitfield, T. H., Owen, L., Johnston, J. J., Silveri, M. M., Gensler, M., Faulkner, C. L., Mann, C., Wixted, M., Hernon, A. M., Nyer, M., Brown, E. R. P., & Jensen, J. T. (2017). Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder with Iyengar Yoga and Coherent Breathing: A Randomized Controlled Dosing Study. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 23(3), 201–207. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2016.0140
4. Zaccaro, A., Piarulli, A., Laurino, M., Garbella, E., Menicucci, D., Neri, B., & Gemignani, A. (2018). How Breath-Control Can Change Your Life: A Systematic Review on Psycho-Physiological Correlates of Slow Breathing. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2018.00353
5. Miller, G. (2022). How Does Breathing Affect Your Brain? Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/how-does-breathing-affect-your-brain-180980950/#:~:text=Not%20only%20does%20the%20respiration,memory%2C%20Zelano%20and%20colleagues%20found
6. Dittmar, G. (2021). 3 Beginner Breathwork Techniques & The Best Time Of Day To Do Them. Mindbodygreen. https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/breathwork-techniques-for-beginners
Yoga, a combination of mindfulness and exercise, is a proven-effective method for leveling up your overall health. Biohackers should experiment with different group classes and at-home practices to find something they can enjoy on a regular basis.
Yoga has become an increasingly popular form of exercise and mindfulness practice. It’s been connected to a variety of benefits including improved strength, balance, flexibility, and heart health, decreased stress, and better mood management.1 It has been practiced for thousands of years, originating in India and encompassing philosophy, meditation, breathwork, and physical practice.2 The word “yoga” translates to “union,” representing the practice’s goal of bringing movements and people together.
Although yoga was originally created as a spiritual practice, over time it has evolved into a physical practice as well. When yoga arrived in North America, the practice expanded into many different styles, each focusing on different parts of the mind-body connection. Only in recent decades have we begun to understand yoga’s benefits on the brain.
Research suggests that there are numerous benefits of yoga on the brain and overall well-being. Studies show that a regular home yoga practice enhances feelings of well-being and happiness, improves sleep, and reduces fatigue,3 and eases symptoms of depression and anxiety.4
According to a study published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, regular yoga practice can lead to increased gray matter in regions of the brain associated with attention, emotional regulation, and self-awareness. These structural changes in the brain may improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline in older adults.5
Research indicates that practicing yoga can actually change your brain structure. It increases gray matter density which is made up of brain cells and is responsible for many of the brain’s functions, including learning skills and memory, and interpreting your senses.6 Regularly practicing yoga also positively impacts important brain structures, leading to better emotional regulation and executive functions (self-control, flexibility, planning, and time management).7
Yoga has evolved into various forms, each with a specific focus. Some emphasize stretching and relaxation, while others focus on strength and flexibility. Below are some of the most popular types of yoga to help you find the best practice for you.
Finding the right yoga practice for you may take time, and at times, you may feel the need for some practices over others. However, once you discover the right fit, you will soon experience all the benefits that yoga has to offer.
“Yoga is possible for anybody who really wants it. Yoga is universal.”
Get fit and flexible with beginner-friendly yoga poses that tone your body while helping you lose weight quickly. This app includes 30-day yoga workout plans for weight loss, yoga exercises to be done anytime, anywhere, and daily workouts for fat burning. Yoga is for everyone – men and women of all ages.
Discover the power of yoga with TINT’s online workshops and training plans. Their experienced instructors present all of their content based on recent findings in anatomy and physiology. They help you find and adopt the right strategy to live the life you’ve always dreamed of. Work not only on your fitness but also on your mental strength.
Yoga Rove is the ultimate resource for students and teachers alike. It offers absolutely everything you need to maintain a consistent yoga practice and never lose inspiration. Created with the beginner in mind, all of its resources are simple and easy to understand and execute. The company’s ultimate goal is to simplify the process of learning.
Yoga.Health™️ offers on-demand yoga practices with experienced instructors to help you cultivate strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. Practice from the comfort of your home, on your own schedule. Join their supportive community and start prioritizing your health and well-being today.
Yoga for weight loss is a revolutionary app that offers full-body yoga exercises and acts as your virtual in-pocket instructor. Yoga to lose weight in 30 days is a complete time-proven program based on the most effective and time-tested Hatha and Kundalini yoga slimming exercise plans, poses, and asanas.
Daily Yoga is the perfect platform for both beginners and advanced users. With dozens of beginner-friendly yoga classes , you can start your day with a yoga workout that suits you. Daily Yoga provides health benefits for your mind and body with multiple yoga poses, and various guided yoga classes.
1. 9 Benefits of Yoga. (2021, August 8). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/9-benefits-of-yoga
2. History of Yoga. (2015). EverydayYoga. https://www.everydayyoga.com/blogs/guides/history-of-yoga
3. Ross, A., Friedmann, E., Bevans, M., & Thomas, S. (2012). Frequency of Yoga Practice Predicts Health: Results of a National Survey of Yoga Practitioners. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/983258
4. Capon, H., O’Shea, M., & McIver, S. (2019). Yoga and mental health: A synthesis of qualitative findings. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 37, 122–132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2019.101063
5. Gothe, N. P., Keswani, R. K., & McAuley, E. (2016). Yoga practice improves executive function by attenuating stress levels. Biological Psychology, 121, 109–116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsycho.2016.10.010
6. Lymn, E. (2019). How Yoga Changes Your Brain. Yoga Medicine. https://yogamedicine.com/how-yoga-changes-your-brain/
7. McGee, K. (2022). 11 Types Of Yoga: A Breakdown Of The Major Styles. Mindbodygreen. https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/the-11-major-types-of-yoga-explained-simply
Discover science-backed approaches to boost brain health and maximize cognitive function.
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Dr. Amy Killen is an author, entrepreneur, and physician specializing in anti-aging and regenerative medicine. She has experience in hormone therapy, sexual wellness, stem cell therapy, and integrative medicine. With respect to biohacking, she strongly supports that optimizing sexual health can promote wellness and longevity.
Her experience as an emergency doctor allowed her to see first-hand the effects of chronic illness, which led to her to explore regenerative medicine. Her current practice is focused on traditional medicine mixed with regenerative therapy, hormone therapy, and prevention-focused techniques. She is the founder and CEO of the Human Optimization Project, a company offering education and supplements for longevity and wellness.
Dr. Killen also helped develop the Full Body Stem Cell Makeover, a revolutionary procedure for body rejuvenation. She is an in demand speaker in the holistic health world and has shared her expertise in various podcasts as well as on social media through YouTube and Twitter.
Jim Kwik is a leading speaker, New York Times best-selling author, career development coach, and expert in brain performance and accelerated learning. Known as the “Brain Coach,” he believes that through learning, the brain can be biohacked into improved states of mental acuity, concentration, and cognitive potential.
After brain injuries left him with concentration and memory problems, Kwik turned his life around using techniques in brain training and accelerated learning. Thanks to unlocking his own brain potential, he built his company, Kwik Brain, which offers courses, workshops, coaching, and partnerships on learning.
He has collaborated with many reputable schools (Harvard, CalTech, Singularity University), companies (Google, Virgin, Nike, Zappos, GE, 20th Century Fox, Cleveland Clinic, WordPress), and institutions (United Nations). He has also been featured in media outlets such as Entrepreneur, CNN, Forbes, and Business Insider. He is the host of the Kwik Brain Podcast and has a huge following on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Unveiling the power of your brain for a longer life filled with mental clarity and fulfillment.
Mindfulness meditation has numerous benefits for brain function and well-being. By focusing attention on the present moment without judgment, mindfulness meditation can reduce stress, enhance focus, and improve cognitive abilities. It promotes neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize and adapt, leading to improved memory, emotional regulation, and overall mental well-being.
Spirituality and faith can indeed enhance mindfulness practice. For many individuals, spiritual beliefs and practices provide a sense of meaning and purpose, which can support the cultivation of mindfulness. Connecting with a higher power or engaging in rituals and prayer can deepen mindfulness experiences, fostering a sense of connectedness and inner peace.
Breathwork is an integral part of mindfulness and can significantly impact brain function. Techniques such as deep belly breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, or alternate nostril breathing help activate the relaxation response, reducing stress and promoting a calm state of mind. Deep, intentional breathing increases oxygen flow to the brain, improving focus, attention, and overall cognitive function.
Absolutely! Yoga combines physical movement, breath control, and mindfulness, making it a powerful practice for enhancing brain health and mindfulness. Yoga postures (asanas) help improve strength, flexibility, and body awareness, while mindful breathing and meditation during yoga sessions cultivate a state of present-moment awareness. Regular yoga practice has been associated with reduced stress, increased mindfulness, and improved overall brain function.
Mindfulness is an effective tool for managing stress and promoting resilience. By cultivating present-moment awareness and non-judgmental acceptance, mindfulness allows individuals to respond to stressors with clarity and calmness. Mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques, such as body scans and loving-kindness meditation, can activate the relaxation response, reduce the physiological effects of stress, and build resilience in the face of adversity.
There are various meditation techniques that can be beneficial for mindfulness. One common technique is focused attention meditation, where you bring your attention to a specific object or sensation, such as the breath. Another technique is open monitoring meditation, where you observe and accept thoughts, emotions, and sensations as they arise without judgment. Loving-kindness meditation is also effective for cultivating compassion and connection with oneself and others.
Yes, incorporating mindfulness into daily routines can enhance productivity and focus. By practicing mindfulness during activities such as eating, walking, or even mundane tasks, you bring awareness to the present moment, reducing distractions and improving concentration. Mindfulness allows you to engage fully in each task, increasing efficiency, and reducing mental clutter.
Mindfulness can improve relationships and social interactions by fostering deep listening, empathy, and understanding. When we are fully present and attentive in our interactions, we can genuinely connect with others and respond authentically. Mindfulness cultivates emotional intelligence, compassion, and non-reactivity, allowing for healthier and more fulfilling relationships.
Yes, mindfulness can be combined with technology for enhanced brain health. Various meditation apps offer guided mindfulness sessions, making it easier to establish and maintain a regular practice. Wearable devices, such as biofeedback sensors or EEG headbands, can provide real-time data on brain activity, helping individuals monitor and refine their mindfulness practice. However, it’s important to strike a balance and use technology mindfully, ensuring it complements rather than distracts from the practice.
Mindfulness supports personal growth and self-awareness by providing a space for self-reflection and self-exploration. Through mindfulness, we develop an observing stance towards our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, gaining insight into our patterns and reactions. This increased self-awareness allows us to make conscious choices, align with our values, and cultivate personal growth. Mindfulness also helps us recognize and let go of self-limiting beliefs, leading to greater self-acceptance and resilience.
Harness the power of mindfulness in biohacking your brain for improved cognitive function and mental well-being.
Discover podcasts, YouTube channels, websites, apps, and more to enhance your knowledge and empower your biohacking journey.
Meditation and Healing is an online YouTube channel dedicated to providing a diverse range of meditation and relaxation music to help individuals connect their body and mind through the power of music.
Their collection includes soothing compositions featuring beautiful piano melodies, tranquil flute tunes, gentle pads, and calming bells, among others. By incorporating these harmonious sounds, the channel aims to assist listeners in relieving stress, alleviating negative emotions like anxiety, and cultivating positive energy.
Through the process of biohacking, viewers can enhance their meditation techniques and discover the healing potential within themselves, all through the transformative capability of music
Breathwrk is the leading app for harnessing the power of breath to biohack mental and physical health. With a vast library of breathing exercises and classes, users can reduce stress, increase focus, boost energy, and improve sleep in just 60 seconds.
The app offers techniques used by experts like psychotherapists, athletes, sleep doctors, Navy SEALs, yogis, and neuroscientists. It provides a personalized experience with customizable sounds, visuals, haptics, and breath coaches.
Breathwrk helps users build healthy habits with reminders, streak tracking, and recommended programs. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, Breathwrk empowers everyone to transform their life through the remarkable influence of breath control.