There are so many of us today who would love to find ways to increase our own cognitive abilities. After all, who wouldn’t want a stronger mind? There are a number of ways that you can do this but one of the key ways research has shown people can improve their cognitive abilities is through meditation.

One of the great things about this approach to cognitive strength is that it doesn’t come from outside the body, but within. If you have never tried meditation before, then there is no better time to experience the effects that regular meditation can have. Here are seven proven ways that meditation can radically improve your own cognitive abilities.

• It Prevents Wandering

If you ever wish you could stop your wandering mind and start being more focused, then meditation may be your key. Studies, including one from Yale University and one from Washington University in St. Louis, have found that regular meditation can help the brain re-center and refocus. It can also help people feel happier, as those with wandering minds are typically fraught with feelings of worry and stress.

• It Can Improve Attention and Concentration

In addition to preventing issues with mind wandering, regular meditation can also help with attention and concentration. This is why meditation is being viewed as a significant alternative medicine treatment for those with ADD. One study, that used the GRE as a tool to measure success, found that participants were able to study better, pay attention more and concentrate harder after using meditation regularly.

• It Can Reduce Anxiety

One of the most common reasons people turn to meditation is to reduce anxiety. For those that are often overcome with feelings of stress of anxiousness during the day, flipping off the switch and feeling calm can seem impossible. However, with regular meditation, many people are able to calm their anxiety internally.

• It Can Improve Mood

If you want to improve your mood and start staying more positive during your day, then meditation may be the key. So much of your mood comes down to issues with your cognitive function, not necessarily the things that happen around you. Have better control of your mood with daily meditation, it can make a major difference in how you control your emotions and feelings.

• It Helps Promote Control

A number of studies on meditation and addiction have found that regular, mindful meditation can actually help those that struggle with addiction. With regular meditation, many people are able to not only recover from addiction, but to ride out their “cravings” until they pass thanks to better cognitive performance. While it won’t necessarily cure a current addiction, it can be a powerful tool for those who are in the recovery process.

• It Can Help the Brain Deal With Stress

There has been a lot of news coverage lately on schools that are using meditation as an alternative to punishments and the effects that this discipline has had on many children. This is because many studies have found that regular meditation can help the mind handle the effects of stress. The result is feelings of calm and less emotional outbursts caused by stress, not only in children but adults as well.

• It Increases Executive Function

Executive functions include all of the motivation, self control and long term planning that you deal with each and every day. It is what helps you reach your goals and helps you function as an individual in society. One study on meditation and stress-reduction actually found that participants scored better on complex executive function tasks after practicing meditation.

If you have never tried meditation before, now is your opportunity to give it a chance. With daily, regular meditation, you can radically improve your own cognitive abilities and start seeing some outstanding benefits in your daily life.