Learning to meditate into deeper consciousness states influences overall health and self-awareness.With extended meditation, physical changes may occur, such as decreased heart rate and blood pressure.  Additionally, respiration becomes regulated, as shortness of breath decreases and deep breathing increases, and blood becomes more oxygenated, which creates a balance in body chemistries. As a result, a meditation practice has the potential to decrease stress and anxiety, potentially breaking unwanted habitual behavior and reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD). Meditation is important as a helpful tool for rehabilitation.