Feeling the frenzy and stress of modern life? Then you may want to consider incorporating meditation into your self-care routine.
Meditation has many physical and mental health benefits. Research shows that the practice may reduce anxiety levels, decrease negative emotions, lower high blood pressure levels and help mitigate the pain and discomfort of conditions such as heart disease, tension headaches and asthma, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Curious about adding meditation to your daily routine? Follow the tips for beginners below:
Start small
You wouldn't run a marathon without training, so don't jump into trying to meditate for an hour each day. Start small by meditating for just a few minutes each morning. As it gets easier to still your thoughts during your practice, you can increase the time.
Find a quiet place
A calm, tranquil environment promotes a peaceful mind. Find a small space where you can meditate free from distractions, such as your bedroom or a quiet section of your backyard or patio. Setting a candle can help you get into a contemplative state of mind, as can soft ambient music, if it's not distracting.
Don't fight your thoughts
A central tenet of meditation is that your thoughts pass right through your mind so that you can fully be in the moment. If a distracting thought floats into your brain, don't fight it - it's only natural! Instead, try to pay it no mind and take it easy on yourself. Fighting your thoughts only increases negative energy. Instead, become a passive observer, letting your thoughts enter your mind and leave as they please.
Focus on your breathing
Meditation also emphasizes slow, steady breathing as way to connect with the present moment. Breathe in and out, and if your mind becomes distracted by nagging thoughts about the day ahead of you, focus on your breathing to re-center yourself.
With these tips, you can begin experiencing the positive effects of meditation on your well-being. Namaste!
