Meditation is a family of practices that involve focusing attention, regulating breathing, and cultivating a calm, non-judgmental awareness of the present moment. It has roots in Hindu, Buddhist, and Taoist traditions and has been adopted widely in secular contexts for stress reduction and well-being.

Common forms include mindfulness meditation, transcendental meditation, loving-kindness meditation, and body-scan practices. Research suggests meditation can reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, improve attention and working memory, and enhance emotional regulation. Brain imaging studies show changes in areas involved in attention, interoception, and stress response.

Common types

• Mindfulness: non-judgmental awareness of the present
• Focused attention: concentration on a single object or breath
• Loving-kindness: cultivating compassion for self and others
• Transcendental: repetition of a mantra