Transcendental Meditation Helps College Students Deal with Stress
The practice of TM or transcendental meditation may have some surprising benefits for college students. Find out how it can help them be healthier and happier.
Think college students have it easy? Not according to most experts. The incidence of stress and mental health issues on college campuses is growing as students deal with the complexities of living away from home and the stress of adjusting to college life. For some, the stress leads to more serious health problems such as hypertension, anxiety or depression. The solution? A new study published in the American Journal of Hypertension shows that transcendental medication may be a way for students to relieve the stress and anxiety of college life while reducing their risk of hypertension.
What is Transcendental Meditation?
Transcendental Meditation or TM is one of the most popular forms of meditation in the world. First introduced in India, it’s practiced by sitting in a comfortable position for twenty minutes with the eyes closed while slowly entering a state of restful awareness. Transcendental uses sound or a mantra to help focus the mind. TM is not based on a particular religion or belief system and its goal is to clear the mind and promote relaxation rather than reach a higher power. Most people learn the technique from a certified teacher and then practice it on their own.
The Benefits of Transcendental Meditation for College Students under Stress: The Study
298 students at American University received either a three month session of transcendental meditation or were part of a control group. Their blood pressure was measured at the beginning of the study and assessments were used to determine their degree of mental stress and their ability to cope with it. At the end of the three month period, they were retested. The results? The students who participated in the transcendental meditation program had an average reduction of 4.0 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure and 6.3 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure. They also scored better on mental stress and coping assessments. The good news? This drop in blood pressure as a result of transcendental meditation could mean a lower risk for hypertension later.
The Benefits of Transcendental Meditation: The Bottom Line?
Although this study focused on transcendental meditation, any type of meditation is likely to have similar benefits. Studies have shown that meditation lowers blood pressure and can reduce the risk of hypertension if done consistently. It also reduces stress levels and increases coping skills. The key is to enter a state of deep relaxation. This helps to lower stress hormone levels that can lead to anxiety and elevations in blood pressure. There are a variety of good books and videos that teach the art of transcendental meditation. It’s not just for college students, but for anyone who wants to learn the art of deep relaxation.
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svishnugopal | Nov 24, 2009 | Reply
i love this article, have been to OSHO’s workshop on this…
Dr. Jean Tobin | Nov 25, 2009 | Reply
The Transcendental Meditation Technique resulting in an almost 50% reduction in the incidence of clinical cardiovascular events proves as powerful as any new class of heart disease medications entering the market. Statin drugs taken to reduce cholesterol levels only lessen the risks of heart disease by 30 to 40 percent relative to existing treatments. Common blood pressure drugs reduce these outcomes by only 25 to 30 percent.
A new scientific research study conducted at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine provides further evidence that people with high blood pressure can find relief through meditation—but the study also found that not all forms of meditation are equally effective. The study compared findings from research on several well-known types of meditation and relaxation practices, and found that the only mind/body practice that produces significant changes in blood pressure is the Transcendental Meditation technique.Â
Dr. Jean Tobin | Nov 25, 2009 | Reply
Thank you for covering this important topic. Students need to learn how to stay healthy as well as how to excel in their chosen field. Adding the simple and effective Transcendental Meditation Technique to their day helps them accomplish both
jammyman | Nov 25, 2009 | Reply
Great article. This is something that every student needs. I have done TM for years and find it easy and effortless to do and very effective in managing stress. I highly recommend it.