Meditation
You work all week and run errands on your days off. You’re grumpy, you’re groggy, your head is foggy, and energy levels deplete faster than they fill.
However, you’re not alone. Many Americans suffer from these overwhelming and tiring symptoms of life. But, what if I told you these feelings could become a thing of the past? What if you could take back control of your life and your mind? It’s not too good to be true, you can with meditation!
If you’re wondering well, what exactly is meditation? And how can I add it to my routine in order to reap the rewards? Then, keep reading. In this post, we discuss such along with the top benefits that come with incorporating meditation into your life today.
Let’s begin!
What is Meditation?
It’s the oldest form of mental and spiritual health practices. Meditation is the art of being able to condition your body and mind into a state of pure awareness.
Contrary to what many think, it’s NOT about forcing yourself to stop thinking or trying to block out your emotions.
Rather, it IS getting to know your own mind so you can get the most out of it.
Is it Easy to Do?
All you need to do is breathe and relax. Set aside 10 minutes to be by yourself (I know our schedules can be very busy, but this is the best way to start). You can sit outside, on a yoga mat, zafu, or even on your bed or a chair.
A Zafu is a popular cushion used for meditation.
You’re going to want to sit upright, but make sure you’re comfortable. You can close your eyes or keep them open to help channel your alertness.
Let all your thoughts come and then let them go, don’t let anything cling. Get it all out and embrace the moment you are in. The goal is to familiarize yourself with the present moment you are in.
If you need convincing as to why you should give this a try, check out these 10 benefits of using meditation to naturally improve your health below.
10 Ways Meditation Improves Your Health
1. Reduces Stress
We all struggle with our own degrees of stress. Whether it’s work related, family related, it doesn’t matter the cause. Everyone deals with different levels and it takes its toll. It’s important though to not let stress control you, so if you’ve been dealing with an overwhelming amount lately, then you should definitely meditate.
By setting aside time to sit, breathe, and allow your thoughts and emotions to roll out, you will feel less burdened and you will feel relaxed in both your body and mind.
2. Lower High Blood Pressure
Since meditation has been known to reduce stress, one of the major risk factors for heart disease, it’s possible to lower your high blood pressure by meditating. And it’s scientifically proven too! Kristin Crane notes, “meditation induces relaxation, which increases the compound nitric oxide that causes blood vessels to open up and subsequently, blood pressure to drop.”
3. Slow Down Aging
Again, it all goes back to stress, which not only weighs heavily on your mental state but can cause gray hairs, wrinkles, etc. If you’re spending a few moments each day to calm your mind and body there are many physical benefits to be gained and it starts on a cellular level. You can read a summary of the science behind this here.
4. Aid with Weight loss
So it can help slow down the aging process, and help you lose weight? No, we are not pulling your leg, we swear! More often than not, humans tend to be emotional eaters. When we are going through a hard time, whether it’s stress or other factors contributing to our escalated emotions, we look towards food to ease the troubles. If you can relate, then meditation is a must as it will help control those overwhelming feelings that lead one to the fridge. Additionally, because your mind is becoming more alert, you’ll be more conscious of the harmful foods going into your body. As a result, meditation will help motivate you to eat healthier.
5. Boost Immune System
Studies have shown that people who meditate are less likely to catch a common cold going around the office. Dr. Deepak Chopra writes, “The immune system is highly intelligent; it’s known as ‘a floating brain’ because of the ability of immune cells to participate in the chemical messages sent by the brain throughout the body. This means that your thoughts, moods, sensations, and expectations are transmitted to your immune cells. When you meditate, these messages change in important ways.”
6. Support Better Sleep
If you’re someone who has a hard time falling asleep, then listen up. Meditation is the best, natural approach to alleviate insomnia, helping you to sleep deeply while waking up rejuvenated, refreshed, and recharged. Click to read the multiple ways in which meditation aids sleep.
7. Improve Concentration
With practice, meditation can help one become more centered and focused too. You’ll find you won’t be as distracted as you once were. It is scientifically proven that the brain is positively impacted by meditation.
8. Help with Depression & Anxiety
Because meditation has a scientifically positive impact on the brain, it also helps ease symptoms of depression and anxiety in a more natural way than medication can. When we get stuck in a mental rut or state of nervousness, negative thoughts flood our brain. Both depression and anxiety are rooted in fears about the future and regrets of the past. Therefore, regular meditation can help focus on the present and ease these negative feelings.
9. Increase Happiness
Meditation has the power to transform a person from the inside out. As you channel your inner peace and the new-found sense of alertness you will begin to discover aspects of yourself you never knew before. We can’t always change what happens to us in life, but with meditation, we can change the way we experience it.
10. Allows One to Appreciate Life More
When you meditate, you enter a space of internal expansiveness, calm, and joy which brings about a positive effect on the interactions you have with others and the world around you. You’ll gain a new sense of appreciation for life and all the little parts and moments that make it what is.
BONUS: Combine a few minutes of daily meditation with a weekly gratitude journal entry and you’re on your way to a happier, healthier, and more appreciative you!
Ready, Set, Meditate
Are you ready to start meditating? Remember, like anything new it will take practice and consistency. Go slow, start at your own pace. But definitely, make sure you try! Just a few minutes each day can greatly impact your life in a major positive way.
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