Can Meditation Make You a More Compassionate Person?

Meditating doesn't just reduce anxiety, it can make more aware of your surroundings and the needs of others.

Apr. 1, 2013 — Scientists have mostly focused on the benefits of meditation for the brain and the body, but a recent study by Northeastern University's David DeSteno, published in Psychological Science, takes a look at what impacts meditation has on interpersonal harmony and compassion.

Several religious traditions have suggested that mediation does just that, but there has been no scientific proof -- until now.

In this study, a team of researchers from Northeastern University and Harvard University examined the effects meditation would have on compassion and virtuous behavior, and the results were fascinating.

This study -- funded by the Mind and Life Institute -- invited participants to complete eight-week trainings in two types of meditation. After the sessions, they were put to the test.

Sitting in a staged waiting room with three chairs were two actors. With one empty chair left, the participant sat down and waited to be called. Another actor using crutches and appearing to be in great physical pain, would then enter the room. As she did, the actors in the chair would ignore her by fiddling with their phones or opening a book.

The question DeSteno and Paul Condon -- a graduate student in DeSteno's lab who led the study -- and their team wanted to answer was whether the subjects who took part in the meditation classes would be more likely to come to the aid of the person in pain, even in the face of everyone else ignoring her. "We know meditation improves a person's own physical and psychological wellbeing," said Condon. "We wanted to know whether it actually increases compassionate behavior."

Among the non-meditating participants, only about 15 percent of people acted to help. But among the participants who were in the meditation sessions "we were able to boost that up to 50 percent," said DeSteno. This result was true for both meditation groups thereby showing the effect to be consistent across different forms of meditation. "The truly surprising aspect of this finding is that meditation made people willing to act virtuous -- to help another who was suffering -- even in the face of a norm not to do so," DeSteno said, "The fact that the other actors were ignoring the pain creates as 'bystander-effect' that normally tends to reduce helping. People often wonder 'Why should I help someone if no one else is?'"

These results appear to prove what the Buddhist theologians have long believed -- that meditation is supposed to lead you to experience more compassion and love for all sentient beings. But even for non-Buddhists, the findings offer scientific proof for meditation techniques to alter the calculus of the moral mind.

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Anxious? Activate Your Anterior Cingulate Cortex With a Little Meditation

Practicing mindful meditation lights up the parts of the brain that control thinking emotions such as worry are activated. Anxiety levels are reduced.

June 4, 2013 — Scientists, like Buddhist monks and Zen masters, have known for years that meditation can reduce anxiety, but not how. Scientists at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, however, have succeeded in identifying the brain functions involved.

"Although we've known that meditation can reduce anxiety, we hadn't identified the specific brain mechanisms involved in relieving anxiety in healthy individuals," said Fadel Zeidan, Ph.D., postdoctoral research fellow in neurobiology and anatomy at Wake Forest Baptist and lead author of the study. "In this study, we were able to see which areas of the brain were activated and which were deactivated during meditation-related anxiety relief."

The study is published in the current edition of the journal Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience.

For the study, 15 healthy volunteers with normal levels of everyday anxiety were recruited for the study. These individuals had no previous meditation experience or anxiety disorders. All subjects participated in four 20-minute classes to learn a technique known as mindfulness meditation. In this form of meditation, people are taught to focus on breath and body sensations and to non-judgmentally evaluate distracting thoughts and emotions.

Both before and after meditation training, the study participants' brain activity was examined using a special type of imaging -- arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging -- that is very effective at imaging brain processes, such as meditation. In addition, anxiety reports were measured before and after brain scanning.

The majority of study participants reported decreases in anxiety. Researchers found that meditation reduced anxiety ratings by as much as 39 percent.

"This showed that just a few minutes of mindfulness meditation can help reduce normal everyday anxiety," Zeidan said.

The study revealed that meditation-related anxiety relief is associated with activation of the anterior cingulate cortex and ventromedial prefrontal cortex, areas of the brain involved with executive-level function. During meditation, there was more activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain that controls worrying. In addition, when activity increased in the anterior cingulate cortex -- the area that governs thinking and emotion -- anxiety decreased.

"Mindfulness is premised on sustaining attention in the present moment and controlling the way we react to daily thoughts and feelings," Zeidan said. "Interestingly, the present findings reveal that the brain regions associated with meditation-related anxiety relief are remarkably consistent with the principles of being mindful."

Research at other institutions has shown that meditation can significantly reduce anxiety in patients with generalized anxiety and depression disorders. The results of this neuroimaging experiment complement that body of knowledge by showing the brain mechanisms associated with meditation-related anxiety relief in healthy people, he said.

Support for the study was provided by the Mind and Life Institute's Francisco J. Varela Grant, the National Institutes of Health grant NS3926 and the Biomolecular Imaging Center at Wake Forest Baptist.

Co-authors are Katherine Martucci, Ph.D., Robert Kraft, Ph.D., John McHaffie, Ph.D., and Robert Coghill, Ph.D., of Wake Forest Baptist.

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Qi Gong Techniques Help Cancer Patients Cope

Practicing a combination of breathing, meditation and movement to achieve a state of relaxation and peace of mind improves quality of life, cancer-related symptoms and treatment side effects and promotes patient longevity. By: Lynette Summerill

Feeling anxious or stressed about a cancer diagnosis is a very normal response. After all, it’s a life changing experience. Patients and their loved ones often feel a whole range of emotions when learning to deal with the disease, treatments and its side effects. It’s not a road easily traveled. So naturally, finding positive coping mechanisms is essential to realizing the best possible outcome.

The mental stress that accompanies a cancer diagnoses not only negatively affects quality of life, it can actually contribute to suppression of the immune system, aggravating the side effects of chemotherapy and slowing the healing process, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Many cancer patients are finding stress-reducing health benefits by incorporating the ancient Chinese system into their treatment protocol. Qi Gong, sometimes called chi kung or vital energy exercises, involves breathing, meditation and movement to achieve a state of relaxation and peace of mind. Translated, qi gong means “breath work” or “energy work”.

While qi gong is typically not considered a “cure” for cancer, it is extremely helpful in coping with the disease. Practitioners say the exercises help manage pain, reduce anxiety, provide increased strength and enhance the quality of life.

The goal of qi gong is to help the flow of energy or “qi” (pronounced chee) through the body. The two forms of qi gong—external and internal— are exercises that people can do on their own or with a skilled master. It can also be used to target specific areas of the body. However, if this makes you feel a little too existential, there is also strong scientific evidence to suggest beneficial health outcomes associated with its practice.

Researchers from the Santa Barbara-based Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi, Arizona State University and the University of North Carolina analyzed data from 66 randomized controlled qi gong trials involving 6,410 participants. The review was published in the American Journal of Health Promotion.

The researchers found the strongest and most consistent evidence of health benefits included bone health, cardiopulmonary fitness, balance, mental focus, improved quality of life and self-efficacy (the confidence in and perceived ability to perform a behavior.) The reviewers concluded sufficient evidence exists to suggest qi gong is a viable alternative to conventional forms of exercise.

More recently, a 2008 pilot study of medical qi gong (MQ) for cancer patients, conducted by University of Sydney researchers found MQ to be “an effective therapy for improving quality of life, cancer-related symptoms and treatment side effects and promote patient longevity” compared to non-practicing MQ cancer patients. Qi gong has also been found in medical studies to produce long-term physical benefits by reducing inflammation in some cancer patients.

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New Year, New Tips To Handle Work Stress

By Nerina Garcia-Arcement, Ph.D. Stress is on the rise in the United States. In a recent APA survey, Americans reported a 44% increase in their stress over the past five years. What are people worried about?  Money, relationships, work and the economy are at the top of the list.  Work is a popular concern. Not only are individuals worried about losing their jobs in this down economy but also about increased job responsibilities and difficult interpersonal relationships.  All this worry impacts your sleep, physical and mental health, and productivity. It also erodes your ability to be patient when dealing with others—all things that can make working more difficult and put your job at risk.

If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. The good news is you can change this. There are simple steps you can take that will help you manage your stress and improve your quality of life. Below are proven stress reduction suggestions you can use at work and at home.

While at work build into your day these three tips.

1. Walk away from what is stressing you and take regular breaks. Time-outs are not just for toddlers. They are an effective coping strategy that will allow you to clear your mind and refocus, as well as be more productive and creative.

2. Take deep breaths. Shallow breathing increases anxiety, while deep, slow breathing helps calm your mind and body.

3. Stretch your tense muscles. For example, progressive muscle relaxation sends your brain a message that you are safe and relaxed which helps reduce stress and anxiety.

While at home, try these habits regularly to decrease your stress.

1. Practice yoga. Even a few minutes will help calm your mind and relax your body.

2. Use imagery. Imagine yourself in a safe place, such as the beach or a cabin in the mountains. If imagining a peaceful place is difficult, you can use memories from a favorite vacation spot or familiar personal sanctuary (even if it’s just your favorite bench in Central Park).  Your memories will trigger positive feelings and distract you from your stress at the same time.

3. Speak to a trusted friend or family member. Share what is upsetting you, whether in person or over the phone. Social support is a great stress reducer and mood enhancer.

Preventing stress before you feel it is even better. Follow these suggestions to stop the stress before it hits.

1. Have open communication with your supervisors/bosses about what projects you are working on and their status.

2. Ask for help when you need it. We all require assistance at some point. Don't be afraid to ask for what you need.

3. Create a detailed list of work requirements and deadlines. This way you don't waste mental energy keeping track of what needs to get done and instead focus on how to accomplish those tasks.

If these tips are not enough, consider talking to a mental health provider that specializes in stress management.

Visit http://www.apapracticecentral.org for more information about stress.

Holiday Stress, Parties and Hangovers: Drinking Responsibly This Holiday Season

I was quoted on the negative impact of over drinking at holiday parties. By Rheyanne Weaver HERWriterDecember 4, 2012 - 7:10am

Holiday parties are among the highlights of the winter season, and these parties tend to involve drinking alcohol.

If you’re not careful, you might overindulge in festivities, leading to a hangover the next day. This can become a problem, especially if the next day is a work day.

Caron Treatment Centers recently released survey results from 2,005 adults age 21 and above, suggesting that it is quite common to drink excessively, suffer from a hangover and miss work after a holiday party.

In fact, 64 percent of Americans have either called in sick or know someone who did because of a holiday party hangover.

 74 percent of holiday party attendees drank more than three alcoholic drinks or know someone who has at a holiday party, which is considered above a moderate alcohol limit.

Drinking out of moderation could be a sign of substance abuse or depression, which are major mental health issues.

The workplace can already be filled with stress and competition, so missing work or having impaired functioning in the workplace just adds to a negative workplace atmosphere.

Sometimes alcohol can lead to destructive behavior, which is even worse if the holiday party involves co-workers.

Survey results showed that most people who have attended holiday parties noticed behaviors such as arguing and aggression, excessive use of profanity, drunk driving and inappropriate disclosure of private details.

Dr. Harris B. Stratyner, the vice president of Caron Treatment Centers and New York regional clinical director, said in an email that hangovers can be terrible for mental health because dehydration leads to an “alcoholic migraine.” Serotonin levels also decrease, which leads to depression.

“Drinking too much alcohol can affect your mental health and harm your status in the workplace, because you can come off looking immature and having poor judgment,” Stratyner said.

“Employers and colleagues will start to question your judgment, therefore leading them to question your reliability to meet deadlines and do your job well.”

He suggested only drinking a maximum of two alcoholic drinks at work-related events.

And if you can’t drink in moderation, that is a major red flag.

“I would say that having a hangover and missing work after a holiday party is a sign that you have a problem with alcohol,” Stratyner said. “Anytime alcohol interferes in your life, you have a problem with alcohol. You have now interrupted the way you earn your living.”

Many employers have to make cuts as it is, so looking irresponsible and foolish by over-drinking at a holiday party is not a wise choice. Unfortunately, he said it is quite common for people to overindulge in alcohol during the holidays due to holiday stress.

“People tend to self medicate because they want to relax, escape or manage difficult emotions that may come up,” Stratyner said.

However, alcohol tends to cause more problems than it solves. He suggested engaging in healthier ways to relieve holiday stress, such as shopping early and online, planning a potluck holiday dinner so everyone contributes, and avoiding alcohol and drugs (especially while driving). He recommended exercising consistently, and focusing only on positive past holiday memories.

Rosalie Moscoe, a registered nutritional consultant practitioner and author of “Frazzled Hurried Woman! Your Stress Relief Guide to Thriving ... Not Merely Surviving,” said in an email that hangovers can lead to lower self esteem, especially if people are perceived poorly in the workplace because of their lack of control.

Besides a hangover, an excess of sweets and alcohol can also lead to hypoglycemia, which is associated with mood swings.

She said that for people who are already struggling with substance abuse, holiday parties can be a trigger because of the acceptability of profuse amounts of alcohol.

It can be tempting to drink more at holiday parties because of all the additional holiday stress that piles up, including financial stress and dealing potentially with unpleasant family members.

Nerina Garcia-Arcement, a licensed clinical psychologist, said in an email that if holiday parties involve co-workers, sometimes it can be an awkward situation.

People are anxious about how they should be acting.

They might think that drinking alcohol will relieve any tension, stress and anxiety about the situation.

People who do decide to overindulge in alcohol can suffer side effects of hangovers like low energy level, concentration and attention problems and changes in mood.

Garcia-Arcement said that overdrinking one time and suffering the consequences at work might not be a dealbreaker for employers. However, if it’s on a consistent basis, this could be a sign of serious mental health issues and you could lose your credibility at work (or your job).

Sources: Caron Treatment Centers. Hungover at Work During the Holiday Season? Web. Dec. 3, 2012.

http://www.caron.org/hungover-at-work-during-the-holiday-season.html

Stratyner, Harris. Email interview. Dec. 3, 2012.

Moscoe, Rosalie. Email interview. Dec. 3, 2012.

Garcia-Arcement, Nerina. Email interview. Dec. 3, 2012.

Reviewed December 4, 2012 by Michele Blacksberg RN Edited by Jody Smith

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