In a busy world that is often overwhelming, it’s hard to remember to take time to relax. We’ve been conditioned to multi-task and work until we complete the last box on the checklist. You can only last so long at that rate, though. At some point, something has to give.
You might have heard about meditation for wellness and wonder what it’s all about. Can taking time to breathe just a few minutes out of your day really make a difference? The answer to that question is yes. Even with just five minutes a day, focusing on yourself and your breathing can increase your wellness in ways you’ve never imagined.
The first thing you need to understand is the basics of meditation. Many people think meditation is sitting silently with a completely clear mind until you see the path to a stress-free life. That’s not what meditation is. It’s true that during meditation, focusing on your breathing and eliminating the stream of thoughts is important. But there are many ways to do that, and if thoughts sneak in, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Recognizing the thought, letting it go, and breathing again is that act of meditation. Some people suggest treating the thoughts as clouds and letting them float on by. Others suggest seeing the thoughts as balloons that are floating in the air.
Now that you understand that, let’s look at some benefits meditation can provide as you work to increase your well-being.
How Does Meditation Benefit Your Emotional and Physical Well-Being?
Meditation allows you to clear your mind and focus on relaxation. When you can relax, you benefit from decreased muscle tension and increased awareness. A few benefits for your emotional and physical well-being are listed below:
1.) Meditation allows you to be present, relieving your emotional self from negativity.
2.) Meditation allows your mind to be creative. When you’re creative, your hope and zest for life increase.
3.) Meditation lowers your blood pressure.
There are many more benefits to your emotional and physical well-being. The ones listed are just a few.
How Does Meditation Benefit Your Immunity System?
Medical professionals suggest meditation for those dealing with chronic illness. People suffering from hypertension, fibromyalgia, cancer, and more have seen a positive influence when incorporating meditation into their health routine. More studies are needed, but medical professionals seem encouraged by what they’ve seen in their patients.
How Does Meditation Increase Your Focus and Concentration?
With just a few minutes of meditation daily, you can increase your focus tenfold. Meditation brings your attention back to your breathing. It’s almost like hitting a reset button and beginning again.
Thanks to previous studies using meditation for those suffering from anxiety and depression, researchers hope that meditating may help people diagnosed with ADHD as well.
How Do You Incorporate Meditation in Your Life Every day?
Meditation doesn’t require money or fancy accessories. It simply requires time. There are ways to practice wherever you are. You just have to choose to take the time. Some tips to get you started following:
1.) Breathe deeply.
2.) Create a mantra and repeat it daily–this could be as simple as “I’ve got this.”
3.) Take a walk while you practice your breathing. Meditating doesn’t mean sitting still.
4.) Focus your positive energy on this moment.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many benefits of meditation. If you’ve never tried it before, plenty of apps can help you master the practice. Set aside five minutes to start and focus on meditating just once a day. Set the alarm to remind yourself to practice. Before long, you will remember on your own, especially after seeing the many benefits.
