Meditation can be an effective form of stress reduction and has the potential to improve quality of life and decrease health care costs. Meditation involves achieving a state of 'thoughtless awareness' in which the excessive stress producing activity of the mind is neutralized without reducing alertness and effectiveness.

• Meditation can be an effective form of stress reduction and has the potential to improve quality of life and decrease healthcare costs.
• Meditation involves achieving a state of 'thoughtless awareness' in which the excessive stress producing activity of the mind is neutralised without reducing alertness and effectiveness.
• Authentic meditation enables one to focus on the present moment rather than dwell on the unchangeable past or undetermined future.
• The theoretical explanation for the effects of meditation and relaxation techniques is that the release of catecholamines and other stress hormones are reduced and parasympathetic activity is increased.
• Whether meditation involves other unique neurophysiological effects remains to be proven.