From 'om' to OMG: Meditation does work

Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) could have figured out who he was, and Joel Barish (Jim Carey) might have been unerased if they had just practiced meditation. We firmly believe daily meditation transforms the mind, body and spirit by making gray (and white) matter grow in brain regions that affect learning and mood. Plus, meditation reduces stress and strengthens your cardiovascular system.

New findings add to our sentiments. Seems that people with mild memory loss or the early stages of Alzheimer's can increase cerebral blood flow, boost mood and relieve anxiety, tension and fatigue with as little as 12 minutes of meditation a day. And that might help restore recall and deter future memory loss.

What about those who don't have memory loss yet? Meditation is said to have protective powers, keeping the brain healthy and wise. So, if you want to give meditation a try, follow this four-step plan:

1. Set aside 12 minutes a day to meditate, and keep that time in your schedule sacred.

2. Get thee to a quiet place. No cells, no music, no Internet. Turn it off so you can tune in.

3. Sit in a comfortable position with good posture. Breathe in through your nose slowly for the count of four, and exhale slowly through an open mouth for as long as you can, then build to the count of eight.

4. Repeat the breathing rhythm while you let your mind drift. Recognize thoughts as they appear, and let them go.