You don’t have to be a Zen monk to benefit from meditation; in fact, most people meditating today aren’t aligned with any particular spiritual tradition. As the physical and mental benefits of meditation have become more widely known, social psychologists and researchers have increasingly recommended meditation as a way of benefitting a variety of different lifestyles, no matter the individual’s personal background. Here’s why:

Meditation enables creativity. For artists, designers, and photographers (along with other professions), meditation can greatly benefit the creative process – by reducing negative thoughts and clarifying focus on positive goals and ambitions.

Meditation works against stress. For individuals in traditional workplace environments, meditation can be helpful in battling against work-related stress, as most practice centers around deep breathing, peaceful thoughts, and other calming methods.

Meditation enhances efficiency. For architects, engineers, and other mechanical-minded professions, meditation can help in eliminating distractions, freeing up valuable energy for a more streamlined workflow.

Meditation provides balance. For anyone with unconventional working hours, meditation can be practiced day or night to regain a sense of life harmony. If a job requires a lot of alone time, then group meditation can help in reconnecting socially. Likewise if a profession requires a lot of social interactions, then meditating alone can be a way of reconnecting with solitude and peace.

Meditation improves physical wellness. For amateur and professional athletes alike, meditation can help the mind become “in tune” with the body and thus improve physical performance. Regular meditation can also result in lower blood pressure and improved cardiovascular and pulmonary function.

Meditation strengthens mental awareness. For teachers, nurses, social workers, and other jobs requiring a strong social presence, meditation can be the key to unlocking positive mental space and allowing an individual to “be present” in a wide range of interactions.

Most importantly, meditation is a way of achieving personal peace from within – so that we can be happy, healthy and whole in any environment.