We often forget that there is a price to pay for our busy lives until it is too late and illness sets in. Stress contributes to a number of health conditions, including poor digestion, inflammation, musculoskeletal problems, high blood pressure, adrenal burnout, anxiety, depression and mineral deficiencies. Although we often can’t remove all the stress from our work and home lives, there is something we can do to help manage it – regular meditation. Studies have shown that even short amounts of meditation like 10 minutes can result in a decrease in anxiety and depression, and an increase in alpha waves in the brain, resulting in a sense of relaxation. Psychology Today reported that the brain waves of meditators are different to those who don’t meditate, with less activity in the stress-related frontal cortex, and more activity in the calmer left frontal cortex. There is also less activity in the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for processing fear. One study by Harvard Medical School found that after 2 months of regular meditation, the genes that help fight inflammation, kill diseased cells and protect the body from cancer all began to switch on. The relaxed state which results from regular meditation can help to reduce stress hormones (adrenalin and cortisol), reduce elevated heart rates and treat high blood pressure. A brain imaging study conducted by Yale University found that meditation helps switch off the areas of the brain linked to self-centred thoughts, anxiety, schizophrenia, and other mental health issues. Meditation can also help with quitting smoking, weight loss, pain management, and provide a much needed immune system boost. Although meditation can easily be practiced on your own, sometimes it’s worthwhile joining a group or going to a retreat in order to learn the basics and be able to ask questions. At Byron Bay Detox Retreats we incorporate meditation into our detox programs and provide you with a foundation on which you can build your daily meditation practice. Comedian Russell Brand, pop goddess Gwen Stefani, director David Lynch, supermodel Elle McPherson and actor Hugh Jackman all swear by meditation to help them with their busy lives. Will it have a profound effect on you too?