In the study referenced below, it was shown than basic meditation techniques improve concentration and focus.  This adds to the body of evidence that meditation practices have benefits well beyond the brief period of relaxation one experiences during meditation.

The programs you’ll find here incorporate techniques of mindfulness meditation, along with relaxation, brainwave entrainment, and other techniques to provide a powerful meditation-like experience.  This is intended to provide more readily apparent and lasting benefits from meditation, without the years of practice that might otherwise be needed before results are apparent.

University of Pennsylvania (2007, June 26). Meditate To Concentrate. ScienceDaily.
http://www.sciencedaily.com­/releases/2007/06/070625193240.htm