A new study confirms that the benefits of meditation aren’t strictly psychological—relief of mental stress. Meditation provides relief for our immune systems as well, easing the day-to-day physical stress of a body constantly trying to protect itself. Meditation helps the body restore itself and, scientists predict, that leads to healthier aging. The study analyzed the biological impact of meditation compared to vacation. Both groups showed improvements up to one month later; the meditators had fewer symptoms of depression and less stress much longer than the non-meditating vacationers.