Official Motivational/Positivity Thread Forum

Utterson · Post by **Utterson** » Fri May 15, 2015 3:40 pm

Hey guys,

I have been prepping for the LSATs while holding a relatively busy full time job. My days are starting to take a serious toll on my overall mood. So I wanted to start a support group for those of us who are balancing a ton of other stuff WHILE studying for the LSAT. Is anyone down to get in on this thread? Just positivity and support.

Chris Manifesto · Post by **Chris Manifesto** » Fri May 15, 2015 3:44 pm

Set aside 10-20 mins before bed to practice breathing techniques. I find that it helps with the stress and allows for more restful nights. I promise you're not alone in feeling this way.

Generally · Post by **Generally** » Fri May 15, 2015 4:11 pm

Post removed.

RZ5646 · Post by **RZ5646** » Fri May 15, 2015 5:06 pm

Question: Does mindfulness meditation really work?

I've considered trying it many times, but all the new age / hippie nonsense surrounding it turns me off and I can never make it a habit.

flash21 · Post by **flash21** » Fri May 15, 2015 6:00 pm

Hi RZ,

I'm pretty positive it works. I've read about 3 books on it and there are scientific studies telling you about how it works, how it changes your brain etc. Some cool benefits include the prefrontal cortex becoming larger and thicker in grey matter, allowing for more focus/ better mood - can happen after about a month or two of meditating 20 minutes, 2 times a day.

RZ5646 · Post by **RZ5646** » Fri May 15, 2015 6:08 pm

flash21 wrote:Hi RZ,

I'm pretty positive it works. I've read about 3 books on it and there are scientific studies telling you about how it works, how it changes your brain etc. Some cool benefits include the prefrontal cortex becoming larger and thicker in grey matter, allowing for more focus/ better mood - can happen after about a month or two of meditating 20 minutes, 2 times a day.

Can you recommend a science-based book on meditation?

ltowns1 · Post by **ltowns1** » Fri May 15, 2015 7:25 pm

Anxiety is my #1 enemy...even more so then the test

Kinky John · Post by **Kinky John** » Fri May 15, 2015 7:54 pm

RZ5646 wrote:
flash21 wrote:Hi RZ,

I'm pretty positive it works. I've read about 3 books on it and there are scientific studies telling you about how it works, how it changes your brain etc. Some cool benefits include the prefrontal cortex becoming larger and thicker in grey matter, allowing for more focus/ better mood - can happen after about a month or two of meditating 20 minutes, 2 times a day.
Can you recommend a science-based book on meditation?

Obviously, the bolded isn't going to be backed up by any scientific evidence. All research shows at the moment is that it may generally help in regulating emotions.

flash21 · Post by **flash21** » Sat May 16, 2015 8:55 am

Kinky John wrote:
RZ5646 wrote:
flash21 wrote:Hi RZ,

I'm pretty positive it works. I've read about 3 books on it and there are scientific studies telling you about how it works, how it changes your brain etc. Some cool benefits include the prefrontal cortex becoming larger and thicker in grey matter, allowing for more focus/ better mood - can happen after about a month or two of meditating 20 minutes, 2 times a day.
Can you recommend a science-based book on meditation?
Obviously, the bolded isn't going to be backed up by any scientific evidence. All research shows at the moment is that it may generally help in regulating emotions.

Actually John you are wrong. Check out the "will power instinct" by Kelly McGonigal, a health psychologist at Stanford which includes scientific backing for my claim, there are other books as well.

Also, these journal articles:

1.) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1361002/
2.)http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/bul/132/2/180/
3.)http://www.searlneuropsychology.com/upl ... tators.pdf

pittsburghpirates · Post by **pittsburghpirates** » Sat May 16, 2015 9:24 am

Post removed.

Kinky John · Post by **Kinky John** » Sat May 16, 2015 9:34 am

flash21 wrote: Actually John you are wrong. Check out the "will power instinct" by Kelly McGonigal, a health psychologist at Stanford which includes scientific backing for my claim, there are other books as well.

Also, these journal articles:

1.) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1361002/
2.)http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/bul/132/2/180/
3.)http://www.searlneuropsychology.com/upl ... tators.pdf

I was talking specifically about mindfulness meditation. These studies are interesting, thank you for linking, but they don't mention mindfulness.

flash21 · Post by **flash21** » Sat May 16, 2015 10:10 am

For mindfullness, please look at this book for many, many different studies.

Mindfulness, Ellen Langer. hope this helps

Edit: furthermore, your definition of mindfulness meditation is likely wrong. What definition of this are you using? Mindfulness meditation is the type of meditation these studies refer to.