Introduction to Mindfulness_349810_bookemon_ebook.pdf Coaching and Practising Mindfulness | Page 19

How Mindfulness affects mind and body Results of regular meditation: • increases activity in a number of brain regions, including those parts involved in learning and memory processes, emotion regulation and perspective taking; • improves psychological functions of attention, compassion and empathy; • activates the parasympathetic nervous system, calming the autonomic nervous system and decreasing cortical; • boosts the immune system; • improves medical conditions including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, premenstrual syndrome and chronic pain; and • improves psychological conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, phobias and eating disorders. 18