What Meditation Can—and Can’t—Do.

What Meditation Can—and Can’t—Do

Meditation can help you deal more consciously with thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations. Research has found positive effects on stress, certain forms of anxiety and depression, and pain, among other things. But meditation does not automatically solve the underlying problems.¹

It is no substitute for sleep or exercise, nor for necessary medical or psychotherapeutic treatment. And just like other effective methods, meditation does not always feel good for everyone. Unpleasant thoughts, anxiety, or other distressing experiences may arise during meditation.²

Many people report that regular meditation helps them notice their thoughts and feelings more consciously and move through daily life more reflectively. These are exactly the kinds of abilities trained by mindfulness meditation, and over time they can change how we deal with thoughts, feelings, and difficult situations.

Meditation does not necessarily change what happens, but it may change your relationship to it. This is particularly interesting with things that cannot simply be switched off at will: pain, anxiety, unpleasant feelings, or recurring thoughts.

If meditation persistently does not feel good for you, however, you do not have to force yourself to do it. More meditation is not automatically better meditation. Try other techniques or seek professional help.