Answer this question to the best of your ability:
Is there any evidence suggesting the long-term effects of practicing meditation?
Studies have shown that consistent meditation practice leads to structural and functional changes in the brain associated with enhanced emotional regulation, attention, and self-awareness. A study published in NeuroImage in 2019 found that long-term meditators had increased cortical thickness in areas related to attention and sensory processing compared to non-meditators. Another study from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in 2011 discovered that experienced meditators showed decreased activity in the amygdala, a brain region involved in fear and stress responses. These findings suggest that consistent meditation practice can lead to lasting changes in brain function and structure, potentially contributing to overall mental well-being over an extended period.