Answer this question to the best of your ability:
Can meditation have any effects on an individual's capacity for relaxation? If so, how does it work?
Yes, regular meditation practice can indeed contribute to enhanced relaxation in individuals. Meditation helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the "rest and digest" system. This is the part of the autonomic nervous system that helps the body to relax. When we meditate, our heart rate slows down, our breathing becomes deeper and more rhythmic, and our blood pressure decreases, all indicating a shift towards a state of relaxation governed by the parasympathetic nervous system.

Moreover, meditation encourages individuals to focus on the present moment, which can prevent the mind from being consumed by worries about future events or past regrets. This increased awareness and mindfulness can also contribute to overall enhanced relaxation.