Meaning: 'Decrease' means to make something smaller or less in amount, which in this context refers to lowering anxiety levels.

Wrong options:

• increase: Increase means to make something larger or greater, which contradicts the intended meaning of reducing anxiety levels.
• maintain: Maintain implies keeping something at the same level, which does not convey the action of reducing anxiety as described in the text.
• multiply: Multiply suggests an increase in quantity, which is the opposite of what meditation aims to achieve regarding anxiety.

Correct answer: inner self

Explanation: The phrase 'inner self' is contextually appropriate as it refers to one's true feelings and thoughts, which meditation helps individuals connect with. It fits grammatically as a noun phrase that complements the verb 'become more mindful.'

Meaning: 'Inner self' refers to a person's true self, including their thoughts, feelings, and consciousness, which meditation seeks to enhance awareness of.

Wrong options:

• environment: Environment refers to the external surroundings, which does not align with the introspective nature of meditation focused on self-awareness.
• external pressures: External pressures imply outside stressors, which contrasts with the internal focus of meditation on one's inner self.
• distant memories: Distant memories refer to past experiences, which are not the primary focus of meditation as it emphasizes present-moment awareness.

Correct answer: relaxing

Explanation: The word 'relaxing' is a gerund that fits grammatically as it describes the action of calming the mind, which is essential for preparing for sleep. It aligns contextually with the benefits of meditation in improving sleep quality.

Meaning: 'Relaxing' means to make or become less tense or anxious, which is crucial for achieving restful sleep.

Wrong options:

• stimulating: Stimulating means to encourage activity or excitement, which is contrary to the calming effect needed for sleep.
• cluttering: Cluttering implies making something messy or disorganized, which does not relate to the process of preparing the mind for rest.
• ignoring: Ignoring suggests neglecting something, which does not fit the context of actively preparing the mind for sleep.

Correct answer: enhances

Explanation: The word 'enhances' is a verb that fits grammatically and contextually, indicating an improvement in emotional resilience. It logically follows the structure of the sentence, which discusses the positive effects of meditation on cognitive function and emotional strength.

Meaning: 'Enhances' means to improve or increase the quality of something, in this case, emotional resilience.

Wrong options:

• undermines: Undermines means to weaken or damage, which is the opposite of what meditation aims to achieve regarding emotional resilience.
• ignores: Ignores means to pay no attention to, which does not fit the context of actively supporting emotional resilience through meditation.
• contradicts: Contradicts means to assert the opposite, which does not align with the supportive nature of meditation on emotional resilience.