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For the mind -

The meditative practice has been shown to increase positive emotions while decreasing negative emotions and stress.

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For the mind -

It is also considered to be an effective supplement to treatments for depression.

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For the body -

Studies have shown that mindfulness can have a positive effect on the body as well as the mind.

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For the body -

One study shows that mindfulness can boost the immune system.

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For the body -

Another shows that it can improve vascular health by helping people to quit smoking and get more exercise.

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Improve focus -

Mindfulness meditation can prove an effective way to combat procrastination.

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Improve focus -

Research has shown that it helps us to ignore distractions and focus on the task at hand.

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Improve focus -

It also improves our memory and ability to remember information.

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More compassion -

By practicing mindfulness meditation we can become more compassionate towards both ourselves and others.

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More compassion -

Research has shown that practice makes us more likely to lend a hand to someone in need.

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More compassion -

Studies have shown that mindfulness increases activity in the area of the brain responsible for understanding the needs of others.

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For your intelligence -

As well making us feel great, mindfulness helps us to achieve greatness.

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For your intelligence -

The meditative practice has been linked with improved learning and memory.

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For your intelligence -

Take just a few minutes each day to practice mindful meditation and you will reap the benefits.

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Regulate your emotions -

Mindfulness can stop us from becoming overwhelmed by our feelings.

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Regulate your emotions -

By practicing mindfulness we can reduce emotional reactivity.

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Regulate your emotions -

This in turn will improve cognitive function and give us clarity of thought.

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Aid weight loss -

Research has shown that mindfulness can help in the fight against obesity.

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Aid weight loss -

The meditative practice can help to improve the attitudes of obese people towards eating.

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Aid weight loss -

In turn, this helps them to shed the weight.

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Benefits parents and children -

Parents who practice mindfulness reportedly feel happier and more relaxed about their role as parents.

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Benefits parents and children -

The children of mindful parents reportedly have better social skills.

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Benefits parents and children -

Studies also suggest that mindfulness meditation can help to reduce stress in parents-to-be.

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Reduce symptoms of illness -

Studies have shown that mindfulness can help to alleviate stress in ex-soldiers suffering with PTSD.

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Reduce symptoms of illness -

Research also suggests that it can help to make symptoms more manageable in patients receiving cancer treatment.

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Reduce symptoms of illness -

It has also been shown to reduce stress in people suffering from restless legs syndrome.

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Increase relationship satisfaction -

The meditative practice can make us feel more satisfied in our relationships.

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Increase relationship satisfaction -

Research has shown that couples who practice mindfulness feel more positive and relaxed.

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Increase relationship satisfaction -

They are also more likely to be accepting of one another.

See also: Seven signs that you're in a happy relationship

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