Many people are seeking a healthy and positive way to de-stress and unwind in these super fast-paced times. We are increasingly under a lot of stress with pressures from work, families, finances and many other issues causing worry and anxiety to escalate.
Prolonged benefits of meditation
Difficult situations can become more manageable as we learn to focus on the present moment rather than letting anxieties take over. With regular practice, the prolonged benefits of meditation speak for themselves. As the body is restored to its natural state of inner stillness, long-held tensions are released and physical damage can begin to heal. Regular meditation can prevent the negative physical and emotional effects of stress from taking hold.
Mindfulness techniques for stress, depression and addictions
Meditation is a simple and effective tool to restore calm to a troubled mind, allowing us to maintain a peaceful inner perspective. Regular meditators also find it easier to give up damaging habits and addictions such as drink, drugs and smoking as they achieve inner clarity. Mindfulness techniques are increasingly being used in cognitive therapy, teaching patients how to better cope with stress and depression by practising awareness of thoughts and bodily sensations.
Focus on the breath
Anybody can learn to meditate; it can be done anywhere and costs nothing. There are many different techniques, including breath awareness, focusing on sensations in the body, vipassana, mantra meditation and visualisation.
When starting out with meditation, many people find that a simple technique such as focusing on the breath is the best way to calm the mind. Just sitting quietly in a place where there are no distractions, allowing the body to relax and the mind to settle.
Focus on the breath, gently bringing the mind back to the present moment whenever it wanders. Breathe deeply and evenly, letting go of tensions as you exhale. Try the following silent mantra as you inhale and exhale; as you breathe in, think peace and as you breathe out, release. As the mind darts here there and everywhere, recognise that this is entirely natural! Try not to judge yourself but instead recognise that each time you notice that the mind has wandered it is a moment of clarity and awareness.
Choosing a peaceful environment will be beneficial when you start out with meditation. A quiet room at home for example - the fewer distractions the better. However, as your practice grows, you could try meditating outdoors and even in more bustling environments such as crowded shopping centres and the supermarket queue!
Sources:
Indira, "Meditation in 3 easy steps" , Still place Within, 2011, Accessed 6th Aug 2011
Elizabeth Scott, ‘Benefits of Meditation for Stress Management’, About.com Stress Management, 13th Sep 2010, Accessed 6th Aug 2011
Josie Budd - Hi, I am a writer, personal growth blogger, photographer, meditator and mother based in Glastonbury, UK. As a writer and science graduate, ...
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