Stress. Fear. Anxiety. In some form or other, we’ve all experienced these feelings. Your car suddenly stopped running and you’re stranded on the side of the road. You have to give a presentation, but you can’t shake the jitters. You’re waiting to hear back about that job interview, but the suspense is too overwhelming. What do you do when the world becomes too difficult to handle?
Meditate.
Close your eyes. Relax your body and calm your mind. Take several deep breaths. In just a few short minutes, your mind should arrive at a better place so you can determine the best way to solve your problem. Though we may not have control of our external environment, there is one thing we can control—our mind. In its most basic sense, meditation is a means of relaxation. But it’s truly so much more than that. It may seem ridiculous to some, but when you’re feeling crazed and need to find some tranquility within, meditation is your most powerful tool.
Here are 6 ways that everyone can benefit from at least 10 minutes of mediation every day!
1. Reduces Stress & Anxiety
Have you been carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? A few minutes of quietude can actually help relieve your feelings of stress and anxiety. When we’re faced with high stress situations, we tend to react with the “fight or flight” response. Naturally, our pulse rate and blood pressure spikes, our breathing picks up, and blood flow to our muscles quickens. This is when meditation can help calm the frenzy within. The more you practice meditation, the sooner it becomes second nature, and the easier it is to relax yourself.2. Promotes Physical Health
Looking for a natural way to improve your health? Try sitting in one place for a few minutes each day! It may sound silly, but as much as your body needs to exercise, it also needs to relax. Routine meditation helps to improve blood circulation and lower your heart rate. Performing this simple act each day improves your cardiovascular health, decreasing your risk of heart disease. Meditation also toughens your immune system, making you more resistant to viruses and infections.3. Improves Mental Health
Are you in need of some mental clarity? Meditation allows you to connect with your inner self, deepening your sense of well-being. This gives you the chance to get in touch with your emotions and learn how to manage and control them. Meditation also increases your emotional stability, meaning you’re less likely to overreact to negativity.4. Increases Focus
Struggling to stay focused? When you have too many things racing through your mind and feel like you’ll never complete your tasks for the day, take a moment to step back and meditate. Concentrate on your breathing and encourage your mind to focus on just one thing. Once you’ve taken some time to yourself, your foggy mind will clear so you can get back to the task at hand.5. Promotes Healthy Relationships
Feeling disconnected from the world and the people around you? Not only can meditation connect you to yourself, it can also strengthen your relationships with your loved ones. Meditation has been shown to enhance your ability to identify with and relate to others. How does this work, you ask? When you take time to meditate, you grow more connected with your thoughts and emotions, which in turn, allows you to better read how others are feeling. It’s all a circle of enlightenment and respect.6. Stimulates Better Sleep
Struggling to maintain a healthy and consistent sleep schedule? Try meditating before heading to bed in order to reach a peaceful state of mind. Meditation will help quiet your mind, alleviating today’s stress and tomorrow’s worries. Your brain immediately realizes the day has come to an end and tomorrow is not yet here, allowing you to focus on the present. This is an excellent way to re-train your brain for bedtime, ensuring a tranquil night’s sleep.Types of Meditation
There are several different types of meditation. The one you choose to practice is entirely up to you. Give each of them a try and decide which you like best. Or you can even develop a routine that incorporates all 7 meditation methods.- Metta Meditation
- Progressive Relaxation
- Mindfulness Meditation
- Breath Awareness Meditation
- Zen Meditation
- Transcendental Meditation
- Kundalini Yoga
