“Ground your body and mind in the present moment – all you need is your breath.” (CorePower Yoga). Meditating is a practice where an individual focuses on mindfulness to calm their attention and awareness, in order to achieve a mentally clear and stable state of mind. Read about a few of the many benefits of meditating below!
Reduces Stress & Anxiety
Meditating provides the opportunity for a deep state of relaxation. During meditations, your attention and focus drift away as your thoughts leave your crowded mind, releasing a build up of tension. This can result in strength of your physical and mental well-being. Research has shown that meditations may also improve symptoms of stress-related conditions such as PTSD.
Generates Kindness
My favorite one! Depending on the type of meditation, it may increase positive feelings towards yourself and others. Upon completion, this makes me feel overall happier. Sometimes it just takes a little time and effort, but ultimately it will make you feel good!
Metta, a popular love-kindness meditation, starts with developing positive feelings and kind thoughts towards yourself. During Metta, people learn to extend this happiness to others; First to friends, then acquaintances and finally enemies. One study showed that Metta meditations can help with social anxiety, reduce conflicts, and limit anger management. It does take effort, but the more time put in, the more positive feelings you experience. Visit https://www.mettainstitute.org/mettameditation.html for more Metta meditation descriptions and instructions.
Improves Sleep
It actually helps! Earlier this year, the weeks leading up to the ACT, I meditated every night. I was in my room on my bed, my floor, or my yoga mat, pressed play (to a few of my favorite, quick meditations) and I was instantly relaxed under my star light projector. Meditating before bed helps create the best inner conditions needed for a quality rest. When we settle our mind, we settle our body. After long days, meditating calms the mind which makes it easier to drift off peacefully. No need for sleeping medication, try meditating for a natural way to let go of the day. In scientific terms, meditating improves sleep because it helps lower the heart rate, encourage slower breathing, and ignites the parasympathetic nervous system.
Meditate Anywhere
Frustrated after a long day at work? Need a break from your kids? Had a rough day? Meditating can get you through it. You can meditated anywhere, anytime. It is very flexible and will be easy to fit into your busy schedule.
Basic Ways of Describing Meditation:
- Sitting in silence
- Smiling with your heart
- Simply breathe naturally
- Single-pointed focus
- Being with and getting to know yourself
- Close your eyes
My Favorite Site For Meditations:
https://www.corepoweryogaondemand.com/meditation
Ahhh….the perfect activity for my COVID-19 frame of mind. Thank you, Skylar.