[4 MIN READ]
In this article:
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Women’s stress levels are often higher than men’s.
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Meditation can support mental and physical health.
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Providence’s Dr. Glen Komatsu explains how meditation can even affect brain function.
Do you find it impossible to relax because you can’t stop yourself from endlessly rehashing every decision, action, and thought?
Do you have difficulty quieting your churning thoughts to focus on the task at hand?
Does your mind kick into high gear just as you attempt to sleep and interrupt your rest with constant thoughts of “what if” and “if only”?
Although everyone experiences stress, women can face a unique set of challenges and responsibilities that raise their stress levels well past those of their male counterparts. If you’re like a lot of women, you’re juggling about a million responsibilities and it requires an immense amount of effort and thought to keep them all afloat. Meditation can help you be in the present, help you focus, and improve your mood.
"Meditation is the process of being fully present and paying attention to the present moment. It helps heighten awareness of your emotions, thoughts, and experiences through techniques like quiet contemplation, inspirational readings, prayer, and self-reflection," according to Glen Komatsu, M.D., chief medical officer, TrinityCare Hospice and Providence Southern California Regional Palliative Care.
“The point of mindful practices is to ground us in the present moment—to be fully present in the here and now. It’s the anti-multitask,” said Dr. Komatsu. “Mindfulness meditation changes the brain’s anatomy and structure in a positive way, thickening areas of the brain that govern compassion and happiness while downregulating areas that govern the fight-or-flight response.”
For women struggling for balance among all the components of their life, meditation can be a game-changer.
“We know that if you allow it, mindfulness works,” said Dr. Komatsu.
Here’s a closer look at how meditation addresses many of the health issues women face regularly.
Find a doctor
The team of experts at Providence understands that the average woman is far from average. Our mental health specialists listen to your health concerns and develop a comprehensive strategy that takes your individual needs into account. You can find a Providence that understands women’s health issues using our provider directory. Through Providence Express Care Virtual, you can also access a full range of healthcare services.
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Related resources
10 things you need in your bad-day toolkit
Is There Science Behind the Mental Healing of Meditation?
Natural Ways to Treat Depression
American Psychological Study: Gender and Stress
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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