If winter has got you down or you’re facing trauma, stress, anger or sadness — or if you simply want to take care of your emotional and mental well-being — consider meditation and mindfulness.

You’ve undoubtedly heard yoga fans tout the benefits of meditation on their physical, mental and emotional health. You even may have read about schools replacing detention and suspension with mindfulness exercises. So what’s all the hype about?

There are two types of intelligence: crystalized and fluid.

1. Crystalized intelligence is cerebral knowledge — knowing facts, relying on experience and using learned skills.

2. Fluid intelligence includes personal awareness, creativity, problem-solving and empathy.

According to a recent study, mindfulness and meditation can actually improve your IQ, specifically your fluid intelligence. Participants reported lasting positive effects.

You don’t have to become a mind-body fitness guru to reap these benefits, either. Another study also showed that practicing these exercises for even as little as 20 minutes a day can help.

Where to learn meditation and mindfulness

Learn more through guided practice at the Salem Health CHEC. Nina Meledandri, ND, MSOM, LAc will lead the four-week series — Compassion and Mindfulness — to guide you through the practice of reclaiming emotional well-being for yourself and others.

CHEC hosts these classes several times per year. Check our online schedule and register here. Classes meet Wednesdays in February at 10 a.m. Register online here or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).