Meditation is now as popular as yoga! Yup, you read that right.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the principal health statistics agency of the U.S., meditation is on the rise, big time.
14.2% of adults meditated during the past 12 months. That’s about the same percentage as adults who practiced yoga (14.3%), and more than use of chiropractors (10.3%). And use of meditation is growing fast. In 2012, the percentage of meditators was only 4.1%. So that’s an increase of 3X.*
Brace yourself for some data tables, and then keep reading for more information and resources.
All three modalities are on the rise, demonstrating increased interest in complementary health approaches. While non-Hispanic white women are most likely to use yoga, meditation or a chiropractor, men, non-Hispanic black adults and Hispanic adults use meditation more than yoga or a chiropractor.
Should we be surprised that meditation is gaining traction?
Loads of scientific research supports mindfulness as a means to reduce stress, improve attention, boost the immune system, reduce emotional reactivity, and promote a general sense of health and well-being. Just like physical exercise makes your body (and mind) healthier, mindfulness makes your mind (and body) healthier.
Mindfulness meditation practice is 100% accessible; it requires no special equipment, environment or investment. Immediate benefits can be realized in a single practice.
Building mental techniques and resilience requires effort and consistency, just like physical exercise. Improvements are observed with as little as 8- 14 minutes of daily mindfulness meditation practice, in as few as two weeks.
So let’s keep that hockey-stick growth curve going! 14.2% is still a small minority of people who are realizing a benefit. Not sure where to start? Check out our Introduction to Mindfulness resource guide for ideas. And tell your boss you want the M2 mobile mindfulness studio at your workplace! :)
*Clarke TC, Barnes PM, Black LI, Stussman BJ, Nahin RL. Use of yoga, meditation, and chiropractors among U.S. adults aged 18 and over. NCHS Data Brief, no 325. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2018.