The Art of Living Foundation (AOLF), a non-profit, educational and humanitarian organisation, operating in over 180 countries has unveiled the profound benefits of meditation, inspiring individuals worldwide to embrace this transformative practice for inner peace and well-being.

This announcement follows the success of the recent inaugural World Meditation Day, as declared by the UN General Assembly (UNGA), which saw the AOLF founder and renowned mental wellbeing expert and global peace ambassador Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar lead an unprecedented global meditation session at the United Nations Headquarters. The event also set multiple records, including a Guinness World Record for the largest live-streamed meditation event, alongside recognition from the World Records Union and the Asia Book of Records. Celebrated under the theme ‘Meditation for Global Peace and Harmony,’ World Meditation Day brought together participants from over 50 countries in a shared experience of inner stillness.

As part of its ongoing mission to promote mental wellness, the Art of Living Foundation has compiled a list of the top benefits of meditation, encouraging everyone to embark on a journey towards holistic well-being. To experience the benefits of meditation, regular practice is necessary, but it takes only a few minutes every day.

Top benefits of meditation, supported by scientific research and decades of experiential insights, are as follows:

Enhanced Emotional Resilience: Meditation helps combat stress, anxiety, and depression, creating a state of calm and balance.
Improved Focus and Clarity: By sharpening the mind, meditation enhances concentration, creativity, and decision-making capabilities.
Physical Health Benefits: Regular meditation is linked to lower blood pressure, improved heart health, and a strengthened immune system.
Better Relationships: Meditation fosters empathy, enhances emotional intelligence, and nurtures healthier connections with others.
Inner Peace and Joy: By promoting deep relaxation, meditation boosts overall happiness and well-being.
Increased Productivity: Regular meditation improves time management and work efficiency.
Enhanced Sleep Quality: Meditation supports better sleep by calming the mind and reducing overthinking.
Reduced Aging Effects: Practicing meditation helps reduce stress, which is a major factor in premature aging.
Strengthened Immunity: Meditation is proven to boost immunity by reducing stress and inflammation.
Holistic Growth: Meditation supports personal and spiritual growth, fostering a deeper connection with oneself.

Commenting on the benefits of meditation, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, AOLF founder and renowned mental wellbeing expert and global peace ambassador said, “Meditation can make us more sensitive and sensible. It improves our communication with others, helps combat loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Anyone can practice and reap the benefits of meditation as it transcends age, gender, religion, and political ideology. It is a deep relaxation. Ultimately, it’s all about getting back to one’s self.”

The Art of Living Foundation (AOLF) continues its impactful work in mental wellbeing and community engagement. Recently, Art of Living Singapore achieved a Singapore National Record for the largest mass yogic breathing exercise at the SafePod Recharge event and has been a key partner in Queenstown’s Safe Pod Recharge initiative, promoting holistic community wellbeing. The Foundation’s decades of evidence-based mental health programmes, including the renowned Sudarshan Kriya technique, have touched over 500 million lives worldwide, reaffirming its commitment to fostering peace and well-being globally.

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