More and more studies are showing that meditation and mindfulness may actually increase your longevity. They’ve found that meditation can increase the length of your telomeres. These are like shoelace caps at the end of your chromosomes and protect them. As you age, the telomeres shorten. They’re considered to be a clock, showing the age of your chromosomes.

Many studies show a correlation between shorter telomeres and chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, dementia, and others. Stress can cause your telomeres to shorten quickly.

The good news is that telomeres can lengthen as well as shorten. Reducing stress, exercise, eating healthy, and meditation can increase their length. A recent study showed that loving-kindness mindfulness meditation could alter the length of telomeres.

You have control of your longevity and your health. By taking actions that are healthy for you, you can improve your quality of life.

Inspired by this study: Loving-kindess practice may improve longevity.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart