It does! A review of nine major studies says your mind could budge your blood pressure in a healthy direction if you give it a meditation break. Regular practice helps lower both systolic (the top number) and diastolic pressure.
Breathe In, Breathe Out
Meditation -- that ancient art of focusing on a phrase or mantra, letting your breath flow in and out, and allowing your thoughts to gently come and go -- is a proven stress reliever. And research now shows that regularly practicing transcendental meditation may have blood pressure benefits. (Get a head start on meditation basics by popping in the new YOU: Breathing Easy
Need more incentive to meditate? Check out these other areas that it helps improve:
- Memory: Read how meditation gives you a more organized mind.
- Brainpower: Check out how meditation may actually make your brain bigger.
- Heart health: Find out how much lower your heart disease risk could be.
RealAge Benefit: Keeping your blood pressure at 115/76 mm Hg can make your RealAge as much as 12 years younger.
Take the RealAge Test


