Meditation  takes on a whole new name, now. It’s no longer just for the groovy, college professor or the guy at the Vegan deli.  A study in the American Journal of Hypertension suggests the practice may bring cardiovascular and mental-health benefits. It’s not just the closest way to nirvana, anymore. The research, conducted at American University in Washington, followed 298 students, half of whom practiced transcendental meditation for 20 minutes once or twice daily over three months and half of whom did not.

Whether they read any transcendentalists I’m not sure…

The results were as follows: A subgroup of subjects in the meditation group who were at increased risk for hypertension significantly lowered their blood pressure and psychological distress and also bolstered their coping ability.

Those who were not at increased risk for hypertension, but still practiced meditating, saw a reduction in psychological distress, depression, and anxiety as well as increased coping ability.

The results are especially meaningful when most college students are getting hooked up on prescription medications to help grind through the stressful years. We all remember the guy rooming next to us that used to go on Adderall rampages.

“Improvement in mental health is of great concern as greater numbers of college students are being treated for anxiety and depression than ever before,” says lead study author, Sanford Nidich, professor of physiology and health at the Institute for Natural Medicine and Prevention at Maharishi University of Management in Iowa.

According to a recent study sponsored by the NIH’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, more than 1 in 3 adults sought such healthcare in 2007—and collectively spent $40 billion out of pocket.  Roughly 1.8% of the 2.2 trillion dollars spent on total healthcare in that same year.

Perhaps the best thing about all of this: it’s free. Once you find a method that works for you and understand the process, it has unlimited health benefits. Maybe start by finding a private place where it’s just you, if you feel uncomfortable finding your zen. The point to take away from all of this, the zen is there is you want to tap into it.