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| Study shows caregivers benefit from Transcendental Meditation |
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease can be challenging. A new study shows Transcendental Meditation can help protect caregivers' health and well-being.
The new study was conducted by researchers at the Maharishi University of Management and Technology.
Caregiver stress relieved by meditation
Lead study author Dr. Sanford Nidich points out in a media release that most caregivers are family members who may not be aware of the importance of taking care of themselves.
Chronic stress can lead to health problems that include heart disease, decreased immune function and early death.
Transcendental meditation was found to improve spiritual well-being, boost energy and relieve psychological stress among 23 study participants enrolled in the study.
The study is published in International Archives of Nursing and Health Care and funded by the David Lynch Foundation.
Most of the study participants were caring for a family member with Alzheimer's disease.
Dr. Charles Elder, a physician and researcher at Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Portland Oregon said in a press release the study shows "...Transcendental Meditation can be a value added support that caregivers are looking for and need."
One study participant caring for her 93 year old mother reported she felt much calmer and became less frustrated with her mother. She also shared that meditation was easy and came just at the right time.
Another caregiver who had landed in the emergency room three times with anxiety said meditation stopped her panic attack. The study participant is a caregiver for her husband who has Alzheimer's disease. She said the benefits were immediate.
Watch the short video below to understand more about this simple technique
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Much has been written about the toll being a caregiver can take on health. Finding simple ways to stay balanced, calm, and healthy can be challenging. If you are a caregiver for a loved one you may want to consider Transcendental meditation.
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Updated 12/26/2022
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