Have you ever wondered why meditation has become so popular lately? Like the majority of people you are probably too busy with daily life to find time to sit and meditate and probably think it is a waste of time. I used to be one of these people until I actually tried it for myself. You might be interested to know that some of the most successful (and busy) people on the planet have a regular meditation practice so maybe it's time to sit up and take notice …. and meditate!
With so much going on in the world and so much to feel stressed and anxious about, having a regular meditation practice is a great way to keep yourself calm and grounded and better able to cope when life feels challenging! Research has shown that those who practice meditation regularly begin to experience changes in their response to stress that allow them to recover from stressful situations more easily. It helps you to stay connected to yourself so you are less likely to get caught up in the dramas of the world and less likely to be triggered by the chaos of every day life.
What is meditation
Meditation is an ancient practice that is known to improve our overall mental, spiritual and physical well-being. It has been found in some form across all cultures around the world, particularly eastern cultures, and has withstood the test of time. Now it is coming more to the forefront in the western world and it is estimated that tens of million of ordinary people meditate worldwide and this number is growing, with good reason.
Why practice meditation
The reasons to meditate are as varied as the many ways there are to meditate. In western cultures people are drawn to meditation to quiet the mind of racing thoughts and to reduce stress where as in eastern cultures it is considered to be more of a spiritual practice. Today, meditation is considered the highest form of relaxation and is also known to have numerous health benefits and particularly effective for reducing stress and bringing harmony to Mind, Body and Spirit.
What are the benefits of meditation
There have been over 1400 different areas of study on the benefits of meditation all of which agree that it has positive benefits. Some of the benefits are listed below.
Controls Anxiety – Having a regular meditation practice helps reduce anxiety and and some mental health issues such as social anxiety, phobias and obsessive-compulsive behaviours.
Controls Pain – With practice meditation can diminish the perception of pain in the brain and can be used as a supplement to medical care.
Enhances Self-Awareness - Meditation can help you get to know yourself for who you truly are. This can be a starting point to help you make positive changes in your life.
Fights Addictions - Meditation can help you develop mental discipline and willpower which can help with addiction, unwanted habits and even weight loss.
Improves Emotional Health - Meditation can help with depression as it can create a more positive outlook on life. Research shows that maintaining an ongoing habit of practising meditation can help maintain these benefits in the long term.
Improves Intuition – Meditation helps you to trust your instincts instead of just listening to the mind.
Improves Concentration - Meditation can help improve your ability to redirect and maintain attention and can also improve creativity and productivity
Improves Sleep - Certain meditation relaxation techniques can help control the minds constant chatter which can interfere with your sleep. By meditating before bed you can fall asleep quicker and sleep quality is often improved.
Improves Relationships - Meditation can help you to understand yourself better and develop positive feelings for both yourself and others.
Prevents Heart Disease – Lower blood pressure helps reduce strain on the heart and arteries, helping prevent heart disease.
Reduces Blood Pressure - Blood pressure decreases not only during meditation, but also over time if you meditate regularly.
Reduces Memory Loss - Regular meditation may increase memory and mental clarity due to improved focus. These benefits can help fight age-related memory loss and even dementia.
Reduces Stress – Meditation is a very effective to help combat stress as it lowers cortisol levels in the brain (stress hormone). It can also reduce symptoms in people with stress related medical conditions.
Supports the immune system – Allowing you to be better able to fight off viruses and disease.
Meditation is truly a proven practice that really has many positive benefits and can change your life for the better with just a little practice each day. When you feel as though you don't have the time to meditate then that is when you need it most. So if you are struggling to cope with life or suffering with stress and anxiety then ask yourself if you can really afford not to meditate!
If you are interested in learning how to meditate but not sure where to start then check out the Meditation for Complete Beginners Course. This will give you everything you need to know to confidently start your own meditation practice at home today. Available now.
From experience I know that learning how to meditate can be the best gift you can give to yourself to improve your quality of life.
In warmth
Sharon K
Holistic Health and Wellness Coach
Reiki Master/Teacher
Meditation Teacher and Mindfulness Practitioner
Download your FREE Mindfulness Meditation and Breathing Exercises below.
Disclaimer
Information provided for general educational purposes only and not intended to replace medical advice
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