Research has shown that 8 weeks of meditation can boost serotonin (happy hormone) levels which has an effect on mood, appetite, sleep, memory, and sexual function. Higher levels of serotonin are also linked to decreased anxiety, depression, stress, and pain. One study even found that cancer patients practicing mediation had a decreased rate of telomere shortening. Telomeres are the end parts of our chromosomes that shorten with age and shortening of telomeres is associated with disease. This suggests that meditation can slow down the speed at which our cells age.[1]

Additionally, evidence shows that meditation can lower blood pressure, reduce menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, and decrease cancer-related fatigue. There are many resources to learn how to meditate online as well as guided meditations in the form of classes or phone apps. Meditation is an easy way to improve quality of life for cancer patients.[3]

References

1.     Meditation for Cancer Patients https://www.roswellpark.org/cancertalk/201702/meditation-cancer-patients#:~:text=Meditation%20for%20Cancer%20Patients%201%20Sit%20tall.%20The,5%20Repeat%20a%20mantra.%20...%20More%20items...%20 (accessed May 19, 2021).

2.     Mindfulness Definition: What Is Mindfulness https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/mindfulness/definition (accessed May 21, 2021).

3.     Simon, S. Take a Moment With Meditation https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/take-a-moment-with-meditation.html (accessed May 19, 2021).

 [MBA1]Link to “How to meditate” article