Author Archives: Happiness To Work

Employee Retention: Importance of Sustaining Talent

Human capital is the most valuable asset in any organization (Madgavkar et al., 2022). In today’s fast-changing environment, where organizations strive to be the best employers, attracting, recruiting, and retaining human capital has become a top priority. Organizations now rely on their HR departments more than ever to address these challenges effectively (Komm et al., 2021).

Employee retention is an essential component of organizational success. It is a critical strategy for organizations aiming not only for success but also for sustainability. Research shows that 14.48% of newly hired employees leave within the first six months (Schwantes, 2019). Employee retention refers to the policies and practices employers implement to retain their workforce and reduce turnover. High turnover adversely impacts overall productivity and team morale, while also increasing recruitment and training costs (Herrity, n.d.). Retaining employees is about more than just maintaining workforce numbers; it involves creating a workplace environment where employees feel valued, respected, recognized, and motivated to remain with the organization (10 Reasons Why Employees Stay in a Company | Thunderbird, n.d.).

Importance of Employee Retention in Organizations

1. Cost of High Turnover

Employee turnover is expensive. When an employee leaves, direct costs are incurred in recruitment, onboarding, and training their replacement. Indirect costs include lost productivity, reduced employee morale, and the risk of overburdening existing employees (The True Cost of Employee Turnover on Your Business, 2022).

2. Impact on Productivity and Performance

High turnover disrupts workflows, ultimately resulting in decreased productivity (Shenoy & IA EME Publication, 2016). Newly hired employees require time to reach optimal performance, and approximately 16.45% leave within their first week of joining, disrupting team harmony (Schwantes, 2019). Conversely, a stable workforce fosters better team dynamics and collaboration, leading to increased efficiency and productivity (Luther, n.d.).

3. Retaining Institutional Knowledge

Employees who stay with a company for the long term accumulate institutional knowledge, such as insights into organizational processes, client relationships, and industry nuances. This expertise is invaluable and irreplaceable when an employee leaves, potentially giving competitors an edge (Luther, n.d.).

4. Enhancing Employee Engagement and Morale

Focusing on employee retention sends a clear message that employees are valued. This, in turn, enhances engagement and morale. Increased employee engagement fosters commitment and productivity and motivates employees to go the extra mile for the company’s success (White & Johnson & Wales University, 2020).

5. Employer Brand

High turnover can harm an employer’s brand, affecting the business adversely. On the other hand, employees are more likely to be attracted to companies with good employee retention rates (SHRM-CP, 2023).

Factors Influencing Employee Retention

1. Workplace Culture and Engagement

A positive workplace culture reinforces team dynamics and reduces workplace conflicts. It promotes inclusivity, appreciates diversity, and fosters respect and collaboration, all of which enhance employee satisfaction. Satisfied employees are more likely to stay with the organization for an extended period (Kempton, 2023).

2. Competitive Compensation and Benefits

Fair pay and comprehensive benefits signal that the company values its employees. Studies show that salary is one of the top reasons employees switch jobs (5 Key Facts About Workers in 2022, 2022). Additionally, benefits play a crucial role in attracting and retaining talent (Kempton, 2023).

3. Opportunities for Growth

Employees are more likely to remain with organizations that provide opportunities for career advancement. Research indicates that 73% of employees value career growth within their organization (Kempton, 2023).

4. Work-Life Balance

Flexibility in work arrangements helps employees maintain a healthy work-life balance. Lack of work-life balance is the second most cited reason for switching jobs (5 Key Facts About Workers in 2022, 2022). Trusting employees to deliver results regardless of their work location fosters loyalty (Kempton, 2023).

5. Recognition and Appreciation

Acknowledging employees for achieving targets and contributing to organizational goals instills motivation and encourages loyalty (Kempton, 2023).

6. Positive Onboarding Experience

A positive first impression is crucial, as there is a high tendency for turnover within the first six months of employment (Schwantes, 2019). Onboarding should involve team members and supervisors from various departments to familiarize new hires with the culture and make them feel welcomed and included (Main, 2024).

7. Establishing Open Communication

Regular check-ins, performance reviews, and feedback mechanisms build employee confidence. Encouraging and appreciating employees for their work fosters trust and engagement (Main, 2024).

In my personal opinion, employee retention is not merely an essential business decision but a reflection of an organization’s values and priorities. Organizations that take proactive initiatives to preserve their workforce demonstrate respect and commitment toward their employees. Such gestures foster genuine loyalty and a sense of belonging among employees, going beyond just monetary compensation.

While competitive pay and benefits are important, cultivating a culture of inclusivity and providing opportunities for meaningful work, professional and personal growth are equally important in motivating employees to stay with an organization in the long-term. When employees feel valued, they are more enthusiastic about contributing to organizational goals. This enthusiasm drives improved performance and its subsequent recognition, ultimately leading to employee satisfaction and, in turn, organizational success. Implementing well-thought-out retention strategies is an ongoing commitment to fostering an environment where employees feel empowered to grow and succeed.

In conclusion, employee retention is a multifaceted challenge that requires a strategic approach. By addressing factors such as workplace culture, competitive compensation, and work-life balance, organizations can create an environment where employees thrive. Retention is not just about keeping employees; it is about building a resilient and engaged workforce that drives long-term success. Prioritizing these factors today will yield significant benefits for organizations in the future.

What are some of your practices or ideas for actively retaining talent? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

HR Trends in 2025

HR Trends in 2025: Innovations and Positive Impacts on People and Organizations

The future of Human Resources (HR) is here, and 2025 is proving to be a year of transformative change. With workplaces evolving faster than ever, HR professionals are stepping up to reshape how organizations operate, adapt, and thrive. From groundbreaking technology to people-centric strategies, these trends are not just theoretical; they’re redefining success for individuals and organizations alike. Let’s dive into the trends that are making waves and how they’re setting the stage for a better future of work.

 

1. Emphasis on Employee Experience Over Engagement

Why it’s a Game-Changer
Employee engagement was the buzzword of 2024, but in 2025, it’s all about the employee experience (EX). Companies are taking a holistic approach by focusing on well-being, career development, inclusivity, and work-life integration—not just engagement scores.

What it Means for Organizations
When employees feel valued and supported, the benefits are undeniable: higher retention, increased productivity, and a strong employer brand that attracts top talent. It’s about crafting an environment where people don’t just work—they thrive.

2. AI-Driven Personalization in HR

The Rise of AI-Powered Solutions
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a critical player in HR, but 2025 takes it up a notch. Gone are the days when AI was limited to recruitment and performance tracking. Today, it’s driving personalized solutions—tailoring learning programs, career paths, and even benefits to individual needs.

Why It Matters

  • Employees get customized growth opportunities aligned with their aspirations.
  • AI’s ability to mitigate unconscious bias fosters diversity and inclusion.
  • HR teams save time and resources, allowing for strategic focus.

This level of personalization is not just a tool; it’s a strategy for building a future-ready workforce.

3. Hybrid Work Evolves to “Work from Anywhere”

Breaking Free from Boundaries
Hybrid work models are so 2024. This year, it’s all about work-from-anywhere policies. Supported by robust digital infrastructure and trust-based management, organizations are embracing true flexibility.

The Benefits

  • Employees experience unparalleled freedom, reducing burnout and enhancing mental health.
  • Organizations tap into a global talent pool, transcending geographical limitations.
  • Reduced office costs coupled with higher employee satisfaction create a win-win situation.

This shift is not just about flexibility—it’s about creating a culture of trust and empowerment.

4. Mental Health Becomes a Strategic Priority

A Healthier Workforce is a Happier Workforce
Mental health isn’t just a conversation anymore—it’s a strategic pillar. In 2025, HR leaders are weaving mental health initiatives into the very fabric of their organizations. From emotional intelligence training for leaders to preventive measures, the focus is on creating resilience and security.

What’s in it for Everyone

  • Lower absenteeism and turnover rates.
  • Employees feel supported, fostering a positive workplace culture.
  • Enhanced collaboration and morale drive better organizational outcomes.

5. Skill-Based Hiring and Internal Mobility

A Shift in Hiring Paradigms
Degrees are out; skills are in. The trend of skills-based hiring is gaining unstoppable momentum in 2025. Organizations are also doubling down on internal mobility, empowering employees to upskill and climb the career ladder.

Why It’s Revolutionary

  • Employees feel valued and see clear paths for growth.
  • Organizations save on hiring costs by leveraging internal talent.
  • A culture of continuous learning drives adaptability in a fast-changing world.

6. ESG Integration into HR Policies

Putting Values into Action
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics are no longer buzzwords. In 2025, HR departments are embedding ESG principles into every aspect of their policies, from recruitment to employee engagement initiatives.

The Ripple Effect

  • Employees take pride in working for ethically and socially responsible organizations.
  • Trust from stakeholders, customers, and employees deepens.
  • Organizations align with sustainability goals, driving long-term success.

7. Inclusive Leadership and Diversity

Leading with Belonging
2025 takes diversity and inclusion to the next level with inclusive leadership. Leaders are trained to create environments where everyone’s voice is heard, and diverse perspectives are not just welcomed but celebrated.

The Payoff

  • Innovation thrives in diverse teams.
  • Employees feel represented and empowered.
  • Organizations build stronger, more creative teams ready to tackle any challenge.

Wrapping It All Up

The HR trends of 2025 are bold, innovative, and deeply human. By embracing personalization, inclusivity, and sustainability, organizations are not just improving employee well-being but building a future of trust, loyalty, and adaptability. HR professionals are at the heart of this transformation, proving that when people grow, organizations flourish.

AI Tools in Recruitment: Helping to make our life easy

 

In today’s fast-paced recruitment world, leveraging AI tools has become essential. At Happiness to Work, we use a range of AI-driven tools to optimize our recruitment process, and I’d love to share some insights, including the tools we rely on daily.

1. Scheduling and Interview Management

Managing appointments can be a huge time drain. I use Calendly, which is a lifesaver for scheduling interviews efficiently. It eliminates the back-and-forth emails and let candidates choose a time that works best for them. This way, my calendar is always organized, and no one feels left out.

2. Communication and Collaboration

Communication is key when working in a fast-paced, remote-first world. For team messages, we rely on Slack to keep everything centralized. It’s perfect for keeping communication transparent and fast, especially across different departments. For international calls or candidate interviews, Skype is my go-to. It allows me to easily connect with candidates from all over the world, ensuring a smooth communication process.

3. Platforms for Candidate Sourcing

When it comes to sourcing candidates, we use LinkedIn, Indeed for International positions, and OCC for positions in Mexico. These platforms, coupled with AI algorithms, help us filter through massive amounts of applicants to find the ones with the right experience and skillset. It’s about quality, not just quantity, and using these platforms helps me streamline that process. LinkedIn’s AI features, like recommended candidates, make it much faster to find the right fit.

4. Team Organization and Task Management

Managing projects and deadlines efficiently is crucial in recruitment, so I use Monday.com to organize team tasks. With AI helping to track progress and deadlines, it’s easier for everyone to stay aligned and on top of the recruitment cycle. It makes complex projects feel manageable by breaking them into smaller, trackable tasks. Also allows all the team to be on the loop of the tasks of everybody in case someone is not available one day.

5. Document Sharing and Collaboration

For document sharing and internal collaboration, Google Drive is our solution. We share candidate profiles, resumes of candidates, interview notes, and progress reports seamlessly. AI-backed search functions within Google Drive also make finding the right documents a breeze, saving us tons of time.

6. Enhancing Candidate Experience with Chatbots

Many companies are also integrating AI chatbots to enhance candidate experiences. Chatbots handle initial inquiries and provide candidates with updates or answers to FAQs 24/7. While we haven’t fully embraced chatbots yet, they’re becoming popular in many recruitment strategies, and I can see the value in having that round-the-clock engagement with candidates.

At Happiness to Work, AI tools help us become more efficient, but recruitment is still deeply personal. Balancing automation with human interaction is key, especially when building relationships with candidates. These tools free up our time for what really matters, finding the best talent and ensuring a smooth, engaging recruitment process for everyone involved.

If you’re in recruitment or HR, I highly recommend integrating some of these tools into your workflow. The more organized and efficient your systems, the more you can focus on connecting with candidates and making great hires!

I would love to hear from you!! Which AI tools are making a difference in your workflow? Let’s chat!

The Challenges of Remote Recruitment

Remote work has transformed recruitment, offering flexibility for both companies and candidates. However, hiring for remote positions comes with unique challenges that require more attention and careful navigation. Here’s what I’ve learned so far:

1. Finding the Right Fit

Remote roles require self-motivation, strong communication, and time management. Screening for these soft skills is crucial. AI tools and behavioral assessments can help identify candidates who thrive in autonomous environments.

2. Overcoming Communication Barriers

In remote settings, clear communication is everything. Companies need to ensure candidates are skilled at asynchronous communication (like emails or messaging apps) and can stay productive without direct supervision.

3. Maintaining Engagement

Keeping candidates engaged throughout a longer, fully remote hiring process can be tricky. Regular updates and transparency about the next steps are essential to keeping top talent interested. Automated tools, like chatbots or follow up mails, can also assist in keeping candidates informed.

4. Time Zone and Cultural Differences

When hiring globally, time zone differences can complicate collaboration. Recruiters must assess the candidates availability and cultural adaptability, ensuring they can integrate smoothly with teams spread across different regions.

5. AI Tools in Recruitment

As more companies embrace AI tools for screening, interviewing, and onboarding, understanding how to leverage technology to find the best talent is critical. Automating early stage recruitment tasks like CV screening or scheduling can improve and smooth the process, but human oversight is still important to ensure the candidate experience remains personal.

Despite the challenges of remote recruitment, I believe it’s one of the most practical ways to expand the reach of companies and candidates. It breaks down geographical barriers, opening up the potential to find the perfect candidate anywhere in the world. The process may require more strategic handling, but the opportunity to globalize your talent pool makes it incredibly worthwhile. It’s not just about finding someone who fits the role it’s about finding the ideal match for the future of your business.

Navigating the Challenges of Recruiting a Virtual Administrative Assistant: A Real-Life Case Study

We recently embarked on a mission to find the perfect Virtual Administrative Assistant to keep the bustling real estate business running smoothly. This role was vital, as our client needed someone who could seamlessly manage a variety of tasks while working remotely. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at our recruitment journey, the hurdles we faced, and the lessons we learned along the way.

The Need for Speed (and Skill)

Our goal was clear: find an experienced assistant with a strong background in real estate, who’s also a pro at working virtually. We wanted someone bilingual in English and Spanish, who could handle everything from managing databases to scheduling closings, all while keeping the gears turning behind the scenes. Easy, right? Well, not quite.

We knew the clock was ticking, and with just one position to fill, we needed to move quickly. So, we turned to trusted platforms like OCC and LinkedIn to cast our net wide and start reeling in candidates.

The Recruitment Rollercoaster

The process started smoothly. We posted the job, and within no time, we had a promising pool of candidates. The first round of interviews was handled by us, we did an excellent job of narrowing down the field. The finalists then moved on to interviews with the Hiring Manager, along with a personality test to ensure a good cultural fit.

However, this is where things got tricky. The Hiring Manager, who was already juggling a million tasks, found it challenging to keep up with the pace of the recruitment process. Communication lagged, follow-ups were delayed, and as the days turned into weeks, we found ourselves in a bit of a predicament.

Keeping Candidates Engaged: A Lesson in Patience

One of the biggest challenges we faced was keeping our top candidate interested despite the delays. It wasn’t easy, but we focused on maintaining open lines of communication, even when we didn’t have immediate updates to share. We made sure to address any concerns the candidate had and reassured them that they were still in the running. It was all about managing expectations and keeping the momentum going, even when things weren’t moving as fast as we’d hoped.

The Outcome: Worth the Wait

In the end, we found the right candidate. While the process took longer than anticipated—about a month from start to finish—the quality of the candidates we had was impressive. The new team member has already hit the ground running, and we’re thrilled with how well she’s fitting in.

What We Learned (So You Don’t Have To)

  • Communication is Key: We realized the importance of setting clear expectations with the Hiring Manager from the get-go. In future recruitments, we’ll make sure everyone is on the same page regarding timelines and the process.
  • Stay Calm and Carry On: Even when things aren’t going as planned, it’s crucial to stay calm and keep the candidates engaged. Transparency and honesty go a long way in maintaining trust.
  • Always Have a Plan B: We learned the value of having backup candidates ready, just in case things don’t go as planned with the first choice.

Final Thoughts

Recruiting can be a bumpy ride, especially when unexpected delays crop up. But with a little patience, a lot of communication, and a commitment to keeping candidates in the loop, you can still come out on top. At Happiness to work we’re excited to see how the new assistant will contribute to the continued success of the company of our client—and we’re ready to tackle the next recruitment challenge with the lessons we’ve learned firmly in hand.

Thanks for following along with our journey! If you’re in the real estate business or recruitment business and have had similar experiences, we’d love to hear your stories. Drop a comment below or get in touch—we’re always up for a chat!

 

Best Practices for Companies: AI Trends in Recruitment

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the recruitment world. Companies adopting these technologies not only streamline their selection processes but also improve the quality of their hires. In this article, we explore some of the best practices for integrating AI into recruitment and how these trends are transforming the way companies find and retain talent.

  1. Implementing Chatbots for Initial Communication
  • Description: Chatbots can interact with candidates in the early stages of the selection process, answering frequently asked questions and collecting basic information.
  • Advantages: 24/7 availability, reduced workload for the HR team, and improved candidate experience.
  • Best Practice: Configure chatbots to provide quick and accurate responses and ensure they can escalate to human interactions when necessary.
  1. Automated CV Screening
  • Description: Using AI software to analyze CVs and cover letters can quickly and efficiently identify the most suitable candidates.
  • Advantages: Time-saving, reduction of unconscious bias, and more accurate pre-selection.
  • Best Practice: Use algorithms that are constantly updated to reflect changing job requirements and avoid relying solely on keywords.
  1. AI-Assisted Interviews
  • Description: Platforms that use AI to analyze recorded interviews evaluate aspects such as body language, tone of voice, and candidates’ responses.
  • Advantages: More objective and detailed evaluations, identification of soft skills, and detection of inconsistencies.
  • Best Practice: Complement these evaluations with in-person interviews for a comprehensive assessment and maintain transparency with candidates about AI usage.
  1. Predictive Analysis for Talent Retention
  • Description: Using AI to analyze historical data and predict which candidates are most likely to succeed and stay long-term in the company.
  • Advantages: Improved quality of hires and reduced employee turnover.
  • Best Practice: Ensure predictive models are based on diverse and updated data, and periodically review their accuracy and effectiveness.
  1. Automation of Administrative Tasks
  • Description: AI can automate repetitive administrative tasks, such as scheduling interviews and sending follow-up emails.
  • Advantages: Greater efficiency and freed-up time for the HR team to focus on strategic tasks.
  • Best Practice: Implement solutions that easily integrate with your current systems and train staff to maximize their use.
  1. Continuous Improvement through People Analytics
  • Description: People analytics uses AI to analyze data on employee performance and well-being, providing valuable insights for decision-making.
  • Advantages: Data-driven decisions and better understanding of employees’ needs and behavior.
  • Best Practice: Foster a culture of data analysis and make decisions based on concrete insights, ensuring employees’ privacy and consent.

Integrating artificial intelligence into recruitment is transforming the way companies attract, select, and retain talent. Adopting these best practices not only optimizes HR processes but also positions the company at the forefront of innovation in talent management. As technology continues to advance, it is essential for organizations to stay informed and adaptive to fully leverage the advantages that AI can offer.

Discover the benefits of Hiking

We have good news! Discover all the benefits of Hiking.

Did you know that hiking and mountaineering is an excellent sport for your health?

Practicing mountaineering and hiking has many benefits for your health, from improving physical conditions such as strengthening the heart and muscles, to improving mental quality of life as it allows us to undertake and conquer many challenges and objectives.

It all starts with a fun little walk testing our skills in mountainous terrain. Once we feel how our body behaves through the spectacular tours in the middle of magical nature, without realizing it, emotions begin to be activated that we have never experienced before or we had forgotten that we could enjoy due to routine life. , city and sedentary that we carry.

Let yourself be carried away without any fear by those emotions that begin to encourage you to explore the world. A single mountain hike can lead you to experiences that you thought were impossible. A new life begins, improving the quality of life thanks to the fact that our health improves and a great opportunity to discover unique landscapes and places.

Here we present some of the benefits that you can enjoy undertaking these epic and unmatched journeys walking through spectacular places. This is what mountaineering, hiking and mountain walks can do for you:

  • Helps to level the mood allowing us to be more cheerful and happy.
  • Reduces depression and improves sleep quality.
  • Improves cardiovascular conditions (heart, lungs, blood vessels and mind).
  • Improvement of muscular capacity.
  • Oxygenates the brain and blood, especially when practiced at altitude.
  • Lowers the risk of high blood pressure when practiced regularly.
  • Helps control high cholesterol and triglycerides.
  • Together with a correct diet of nutrients, it allows us to more efficiently absorb essential nutrients and vitamins for daily life.
  • Weight control; Mountain walks allow us to burn 400 to 700 calories per hour or even more, depending on the rhythm and metabolism of each person.

Without a doubt, stress levels will be reduced in a way that will make you maintain a happier and more motivated life.

Find a solution with Happiness To Work and Introspect.

Discover the benefits of a good Nutrition Plan

Do you want to discover the benefits of a good Nutrition Plan?

What we eat not only gives us energy to face our daily routine but is also a source of health, allows us to grow and develop and influences the way in which our body ages over the years.

For this reason, having a healthy diet together with adequate lifestyles is essential to live fully and do so for a longer time.

What is a healthy diet?

According to experts, a healthy diet is low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium and is rich in fiber and essential fatty acids (omega 3 and 6). So if you frequently consume fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes, dairy, nuts, lean meats and oily fish, you can say that you have a healthy diet, if not, you better check what you eat!

Benefits of eating healthy.

– It allows to keep the mind awake. The brain, to carry out its functions, needs certain nutrients continuously, in such a way that a healthy and organized diet allows the constant flow of these nutrients and their proper functioning.

– Helps you control your weight. Eating a balanced diet low in fat and sugar allows you to better maintain your weight and keep it stable in the long term.

– Improves the response capacity of your immune system. Since the immune system is related to a large amount of nutrients, maintaining an adequate diet makes it defend itself more efficiently against foreign agents and makes it more difficult for bacteria to act causing infections.

– Keeps cholesterol and glucose at bay. Unbalanced and unhealthy diets raise cholesterol and glucose levels, which can be dangerous for cardiovascular health and the development of type 2 diabetes. Eating a varied, balanced and balanced diet reduces the possibility of suffering from them or suffering from these diseases in the long term.

– Effective in controlling blood pressure. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help you reduce problems with blood pressure, and why? Those responsible are the vitamins and minerals such as potassium they contain. In addition, people who eat healthy tend to stay active and do not practice toxic habits, which significantly reduces the possibility of suffering from it.

– Promotes balance and proper intestinal transit. If you eat fruit, vegetables, and whole grains daily, you will have no problem covering the necessary amount of daily fiber. This, in addition to improving intestinal transit and regulating its balance, reduces the risk of certain diseases such as cardiovascular diseases or some types of cancer. Remember to consume an adequate amount!

– Improves mood. Certain nutrients such as iron, folic acid, some B vitamins or omega-3 fatty acids can influence our mood. A varied diet provides the necessary amount of these and maintains our mood balance, as well as a positive attitude.

Discover the solutions that Happiness To Work has for you.

Discover the benefits of Meditation

Do you want to discover all the benefits of meditation?

The practice of meditation has very specific physiological effects on the body, which have also been demonstrated by science, which always seems to give a certain degree of security in our civilization, despite the fact that many other wonderful disciplines do not find their place. gap in the scientific method and that does not make them less effective.

But hey, lovers of scientific evidence will like to know that there are more and more clinical and scientific studies that demonstrate the effect of meditation in different areas of the brain:

  • Boosts mental and physical health
  • Increases IQ
  • Develops emotional intelligence and empathy
  • Improves memory
  • Relieves stress, anxiety and depression
  • Reduces blood pressure
  • Increases happiness (literally)

Meditation: what is Meditating for and what benefits does it have

Discover what meditation is, what it is for, what techniques exist and what are the beneficial effects, proven by science, that meditation has on the human body and mind at many levels.

Fortunately, and contrary to what happens with many alternative therapies, meditation is compatible with the scientific method, so that we can already say that the effects that the practice of meditation has on our body are scientifically proven. tested.

Meditation stimulates self-healing, provides us with greater awareness and creativity, stimulates and strengthens the areas of the brain assigned to happiness and joy, increases the intelligence quotient and stimulates the immune system, among many other benefits.

Meditation is an intellectual exercise

Defining what meditation is is complicated, since it is a very abstract concept that each person lives in a particular way. For some it may have religious or spiritual connotations, while for others it is an intellectual method to silence the internal bustle and achieve more creative or emotionally positive states.

Although there are more and more people who practice meditation, the truth is that in the West there are still many people who associate the word meditation with religious aspects, with gurus or with sectarian practices. But meditating is nothing more than an intellectual exercise. If we stick to the etymological meaning of the word, meditation refers to a practice of an intellectual nature through which attention and awareness are enhanced in the present moment.

What are the goals of meditating

Although each person can seek a different objective in meditation, some of the most common are:

  • Mysticism: developing the consciousness of unity with the whole.
  • Mental rest: quieten the mind and free it from daily worries.
  • Creativity: cleaning the mind to make it more creative.
  • Happiness: stimulate the areas of the brain assigned to happiness.
  • Health: stimulate the immune system and self-healing mechanisms.
  • Relax: release stress and anxiety and remain in a state of well-being.
  • Concentration: enhance the state of concentration and memory.
  • Intellect: increase intellectual capacities.

The key points of meditation

Whatever the reason why a person decides to start meditating, the truth is that the consequence is always the same: a mental and physical state of serenity, inner peace, concentration and creativity, which is characterized by specific features which go in this order:

  • Focus of the mind on a single object (breath, sound waves, light, etc.)
  • A state of absolute concentration in which the bustle of the mind stops.
  • State of peace in which the mind is freed from its own thoughts.

Benefits of Meditation

The practice of meditation has very specific physiological effects on the body, which have also been demonstrated by science, which always seems to give a certain degree of security in our civilization, despite the fact that many other wonderful disciplines do not find their way. gap in the scientific method and that does not make them less effective.

But hey, lovers of scientific evidence will like to know that there are more and more clinical and scientific studies that demonstrate the effect of meditation in different areas of the brain:

  • Boosts mental and physical health
  • Increases IQ.
  • Develops emotional intelligence and empathy
  • Improves memory
  • Relieves stress, anxiety and depression
  • Reduces blood pressure
  • Increases happiness (literally)

Some fun facts about meditation

Meditation: what is the use of meditation and what benefits does it have

Discover what meditation is, what it is for, what techniques exist and what are the beneficial effects, proven by science, that meditation has on the human body and mind at many levels.

Meditation: what is Meditating for and what benefits does it have?

Fortunately, and contrary to what happens with many alternative therapies, meditation is compatible with the scientific method, so that we can already say that the effects that the practice of meditation has on our body are scientifically proven. tested.

Meditation stimulates self-healing, provides us with greater awareness and creativity, stimulates and strengthens the areas of the brain assigned to happiness and joy, increases the intelligence quotient and stimulates the immune system, among many other benefits.

Some fun facts about meditation

Defining what meditation is is complicated, since it is a very abstract concept that each person lives in a particular way. For some it may have religious or spiritual connotations, while for others it is an intellectual method to silence the internal bustle and achieve more creative or emotionally positive states.

Although there are more and more people who practice meditation, the truth is that in the West there are still many people who associate the word meditation with religious aspects, with gurus or with sectarian practices. But meditating is nothing more than an intellectual exercise. If we stick to the etymological meaning of the word, meditation refers to a practice of an intellectual nature through which attention and awareness are enhanced in the present moment.

What are the goals of meditating

Although each person can seek a different objective in meditation, some of the most common are:

  • Mysticism: developing the consciousness of unity with the whole.
  • Mental rest: quieten the mind and free it from daily worries.
  • Creativity: cleaning the mind to make it more creative.
  • Happiness: stimulate the areas of the brain assigned to happiness.
  • Health: stimulate the immune system and self-healing mechanisms.
  • Relax: release stress and anxiety and remain in a state of well-being.
  • Concentration: enhance the state of concentration and memory.
  • Intellect: increase intellectual capacities.

The key points of meditation

Whatever the reason why a person decides to start meditating, the truth is that the consequence is always the same: a mental and physical state of serenity, inner peace, concentration and creativity, which is characterized by specific features which go in this order:

  • Focus of the mind on a single object (breath, sound waves, light, etc.).
  • A state of absolute concentration in which the bustle of the mind stops.
  • State of peace in which the mind is freed from its own thoughts.

Benefits of Meditation

The practice of meditation has very specific physiological effects on the body, which have also been demonstrated by science, which always seems to give a certain degree of security in our civilization, despite the fact that many other wonderful disciplines do not find their way. gap in the scientific method and that does not make them less effective.

But hey, lovers of scientific evidence will like to know that there are more and more clinical and scientific studies that demonstrate the effect of meditation in different areas of the brain:

  • Boosts mental and physical health
  • Increases IQ
  • Develops emotional intelligence and empathy
  • Improves memory
  • Relieves stress, anxiety and depression
  • Reduces blood pressure
  • Increases happiness (literally)

Some fun facts about meditation

When doing a scientific study on the effects of meditation, what is done is to measure brain activity through an encephalogram. Studies show that, as the depth of meditation progresses, our brain goes through different stages:

  • Beta waves: concentration
  • Alpha waves: relaxation, creativity
  • Theta waves (deep meditation): problem solving
  • Delta waves (advanced meditation): deep sleep without sleep

Thanks to this brain activity, there are some studies that are worth reviewing to verify the effects of meditative practice:

  • A Yale University study concluded that people who practice meditation throughout their lives develop a neural network with which they are more aware of themselves and of the present and less daydreaming.
  • Another study from the University of Wisconsin concluded that Matthieu Richards, a Buddhist monk, is the happiest man on earth, thanks to the fact that meditation enlarges the areas of the brain reserved for happiness.
  • Harvard University found that meditation lowers high blood pressure and boosts the immune system.

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Discover the benefits of Yoga

Yoga improves our mental and physical health. We review the benefits of yoga according to science:

Understanding the mechanism by which certain body postures influence our psychological states is complex, but a study carried out by researchers from the University of London (United Kingdom), the University of Social Sciences and Humanities of Poznan (Poland) and the Institute Universitario de Lisboa (Portugal) has managed to extract the numerous health benefits that the practice of yoga brings.

The experts compared the effect of de tadasana, urdhva hastasana and garudasana yoga, finding that performing two simple yoga poses for two minutes led to improved subjective feelings of energy and self-esteem in the volunteers compared to the control group ( regardless of their initial levels of self-esteem and satisfaction). Behind this energy boost could be an association with the functioning of the vagus nerve, the largest of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the unconscious functioning of the body such as breathing, circulation and digestion.