What Are the Benefits—and Drawbacks—of Meditation?

Meditation is known for a plethora of benefits that can impact people in almost all stages of life. It can be utilized in workplaces, schools and even hospitals. Here are some notable benefits:

• Stress and anxiety reduction
• May promote healthier sleep
• May improves focus, memory and ability to learn
• Can promote more creativity and problem-solving skills
• Could decrease pain awareness
• May improve immune function

On the other hand, potential drawbacks may include:

• Repetitive negative thinking, anxiety or distorted emotions stemming from following certain threads of thought too deeply instead of not coming back to the object of focus
• Feelings of dissociation,  such as entering into an ambiguous state of being
• Pain or discomfort while sitting

Consult a health care provider if any of these side effects persist.