“The thing about meditation is you become more and more you.” – David Lynch
After scrolling through endless social media posts, watching countless YouTube videos, and hearing family members swear by it, you finally gave meditation a try. But now, after some time practising, you’re left wondering: Is it actually making a difference? Are those “amazing benefits” people rave about even working for you?
In this article, we’ll explore the powerful, research-backed effects of meditation and how to recognise the subtle signs that it’s working in your life.
The Positive Effects of Meditation
Meditation offers a range of benefits that go far beyond relaxation. Studies show it helps cultivate mindfulness, reduces stress, and eases anxiety. Regular practice can even combat depression and support overall mental health. By grounding and centring you, meditation fosters a calm mind, sharpening decision-making skills and helping you navigate life with clarity.
Signs Meditation Is Working
If you’ve been practising meditation for a while now, you may wonder- How do I know meditation is working? Here are some powerful signs that meditation is making a difference in your life.
1. Clearer Mental Focus
Every day, we’re flooded with thousands of thoughts—enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed. If you’re finding it easier to let go of unnecessary thoughts and concentrate on what truly matters, meditation is working. Meditation helps you think and perform better. Improved focus and better decision-making are both telltale signs that your practice is helping declutter your mind.
2. Emotional Stability and Self-Awareness
Meditation fosters a sense of calm, helping you respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively. Noticing when your emotions arise and understanding them before acting is a huge step forward. This self-awareness indicates that meditation is enhancing your emotional balance. This also helps you approach your relationships with more maturity, fostering greater empathy and understanding.
3. Deeper Physical Relaxation
In our fast-paced world, many of us unknowingly stay in “fight or flight” mode, leading to shallow breathing, low energy, and chronic tension. If you’re feeling more physically relaxed, sleeping better, and able to release tension, meditation may be shifting your body out of “fight or flight” mode. By activating the parasympathetic nervous system, meditation helps you rest and recharge more easily.
4. Mindfulness in Everyday Moments
How often do you notice what’s around you when you go out for work? When was the last time you took a walk and paid attention to the things around you? Meditation encourages you to fully engage with the present moment. When you start noticing the textures, colours, sounds, and smells around you more vividly, it’s a sign that mindfulness is becoming a natural part of your day-to-day life.
These small yet powerful shifts show that meditation is quietly reshaping your mind, body, and outlook.
Read more: What is the Best Time to Meditate?
How to Know Meditation Is Working
Meditation doesn’t follow a one-size-fits-all approach, and its benefits can unfold uniquely for each person. If you have rigid expectations, you might feel discouraged if you don’t notice immediate results. Instead, embrace the process and let progress come naturally. How do you know if meditation is working? Here’s how to recognise meditation’s impact.
1. Allow Time for Benefits to Emerge
Meditation rewards consistency. Some people notice changes within weeks, while for others, it may take longer. Begin with just 10 minutes a day, gradually increasing as it fits your schedule. With regular practice, you’re likely to feel a shift within 2-3 months.
2. Track Your Journey
Tracking your meditation journey can reveal subtle improvements over time. Use a journal or habit tracker to log your sessions, noting any insights or shifts in your mood. Find a time that suits you best—whether it’s morning to set the tone for the day, or evening to unwind. Consistency is key! Tracking your journey will also help you gain a better understanding of the difference meditation is making in your life.
3. Notice Mindset Shifts
Meditation gently transforms your mindset, helping you become more self-aware, calm, and open. If you start identifying unhelpful thoughts and letting them go, or approach relationships with greater understanding, these are signs meditation is working. You’ll find yourself more grounded and non-judgmental as time goes on.
Meditation is a subtle, yet powerful practice that, over time, brings positive change in ways you may not initially expect. Keep going, and trust the process.
Read more: Daily Meditation Tips
Meditation is all about embracing the journey rather than focusing solely on the outcome. It unfolds differently for each person, offering subtle yet profound benefits over time. By sticking with it, you open yourself up to its transformative power. If you’re ready to start meditating or want expert guidance to deepen your practice, connect with our team at SoulSensei. Our experts can help you unlock meditation’s full potential, making it an enriching experience that helps you connect deeply with yourself.
Sources
- Lennon, Emma. “5 Signs That Your Meditation Practice Is Working.” She Defined, SJS Media Pty Ltd., 18 Aug. 2023.
- Ongaro, Anthony. “How To Know If Meditation Is Working.” Break the Twitch , Ongaro Media.
- Pajer, Nicole. “Quiet the Mind and Get Your Zen on With These 50 Quotes About Meditation.” Parade, The Arena Media Brands, LLC, 7 Jan. 2024.
