In Your Own Hands – The Health Benefits of Volunteering

Every Monday, my blog post “In Your Own Hands” is where I’ll be featuring articles I find interesting or that I think are a good resource to help you take charge of your health. What articles have you read recently that caught your attention? Leave a comment and let me know.

Volunteering May Be Good for the Heart in More Ways Than One
Researchers have found that volunteering can help reduce older adults’ risk of high blood pressure.

5 Step Mindful Meditation: Part 1
Sang H. Kim says the first step to mindful meditation is emptying what is not real in us, which allows us to metaphorically ride the wave deeper into our minds.

How Meditation May Help Against Alzheimer’s
Studies from UCLA have found that meditation is helpful in relation to Alzheimer’s in more than one way. One study showed that meditation reduced stress in Alzheimer’s caregivers, as well as made seniors feel less lonely and isolated—which has been linked to an increased risk of developing the disease.

You and Mental Health: Why Does Yoga Help Anxiety?
Yoga is known for easing stress and decreasing anxiety, but how? Laura Zera examines a study that shows yoga increases the amount of gama-aminobutryic acid (GABA) in the body.

The Practice of Mindfulness in Addiction Therapy
Clinical Psychologist, Jennifer Talley, explores how mindfulness is aiding in the treatment of substance use disorders, eating disorders and other compulsive behaviors.