The science behind meditation, and why it makes you feel better

Practitioners of mindful meditation focus their attention on only one thought. The goal is to be firmly affixed to the present moment. This typically means concentrating on the breath - observing each inhalation and exhalation - and without consideration to other thoughts.

Buddhists have meditated for literally thousands of years. Buddhists are trying to hack their own minds, to harness them.

Only in recent times have neuroscientists discovered that meditation changes the brain physically.

• Meditation improves attention. Studies show that 20 minutes a day are sufficient to get beneficial results.
• Meditation reduces stress after eight weeks of training.
• Meditation has also been shown to increase levels of empathy.