In the past few years, scientists have been looking closely at what meditation actually does inside the body.
Bit by bit, they’re discovering that regular meditation can reshape the brain, support healthier brain function and help the different parts of the brain communicate in more harmonious ways.
It also seems to help balance the autonomic nervous system, which is the part of your body that keeps you steady and calm.
Researchers are now beginning to explore how meditation might influence things like gene expression and even the health of our telomeres, which are linked to ageing.
These areas are still very new, but the early studies, especially on mindfulness based practices, are promising and very exciting.