Why Meditation Helps You Learn Better, According to Science

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By: Dave Asprey

A new study says that meditation changes your brain so you can respond better to feedback. Here’s why that’s a big deal: When you know how to use feedback to your advantage, you learn from your actions and become a better, more productive human.

This is just another way of saying that meditation is good for you. It comes up time and time again in my book “Game Changers” because hundreds of thought leaders, innovators, and successful entrepreneurs recognize the same thing: Meditation resets your programming and rewires your brain (in a good way).

Here’s what you should know about the study, why I’ve been talking about meditation for years, and how you can upgrade yourself, starting today.

Researchers from the University of Surrey trained participants to select images associated with a reward. All participants were hooked up to EEG sensors, which measure brain waves. The participants in the study weren’t all meditation gurus. Some were experienced meditators, some were novices, and some didn’t meditate at all.

According to the study, the people who meditated were more successful in selecting pairings that resulted in a greater reward. Their EEG results also indicated they were less affected by negative feedback. The group that struggled the most? The non-meditators. The researchers found that people who meditated were able to better bounce back and adapt to feedback in order to make informed decisions.

What made the difference? The researchers suggest dopamine, a feel-good chemical in the brain. Previous studies show dopamine impacts the way people learn and process information, and meditation increases dopamine levels.^{[1] [2][3]} According to the study’s findings, meditation rewires your brain so you’re better equipped to deal with positive and negative feedback.

Related: The Biohacker’s Guide to Meditation and Flow States

I’ve been saying for years that meditation is one of the best investments you can make in your brain and body. In my book “Head Strong,” I write that meditation literally changes areas of your brain associated with complex thought, bodily awareness, concentration, and problem-solving.

Getting your “om” on has tons of other benefits, too. Meditation:

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Learn more about the benefits of meditation for your brain and body.

Related: Can’t Resist Cravings? Meditation Can Help, Says Study

Ready to upgrade your life and take control of your brain? There are loads of ways to start meditating or upgrade your practice today. You can try a meditation app or a free guided meditation practice online. This yoga nidra routine will make you feel like you just got a full night’s sleep.

Remember that consistency is your most important goal. Everyone’s experience with meditation is a little different, so you should form a habit based on what works for you and your schedule. Start with as little as 2 – 5 minutes a day, and work up to 20 minutes when it begins to feel like a habit.

Because I love to hack my performance, I recommend upgrading your practice once you have the basics of meditation down. That’s why law 40 in “Game Changers” is “Hurry! Meditate faster.” By that, I mean you can benefit even more from your practice by reducing the time it takes to reap all those brain-boosting benefits.

Here’s how:

Oh, and pick up a copy of “Game Changers” for even more meditation hacks. You’re that much closer to being stronger, happier, and more productive. 

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About Dave Asprey

Dave Asprey is founder & CEO of Bulletproof, and creator of the widely-popular Bulletproof Coffee. He is a two-time New York Times bestselling author, host of the Webby award-winning podcast Bulletproof Radio, and has been featured on the Today show, Fox News, Nightline, Dr. Oz, and many more.

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Why Meditation Helps You Learn Better, According to Science

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