You may be thinking, I don’t have time to meditate. Well, tell that to facebook. When you have a list of things to accomplish even thinking about losing five minutes can add stress. But, those five minutes of meditation can not only reduce stress but offer a plethora of other benefits. Read on to learn all about those benefits as well as how to meditate.
Reduces Stress
This benefit is widely known but it is worth repeating. Sometimes, you don’t even know the amount of stress and pressure you are carrying until it is gone. After meditating, problems don’t seem so big. Added bonus, we can get clarity on issues that previously seemed complicated. And lets not forget the physical benefits of releasing stress which include better sleep, higher energy, boosts memory, and better heart health.
Be in the Moment
I could write a whole post about living in the moment, and I probably will, but for your own times sake I will give you the short version. Living in the moment is the key to happiness. If you are living in the moment you are not worried about bills, problems, dinner, the past, or the future. You are present, you are paying attention to what is around you and savoring it. Meditation helps you do that. Meditation can help you to appreciate the moment. There is so much joy to be found simply by being in the here and now.
Attitude of Gratitude
Meditation has a spirit of appreciation. I have walked away from meditation finding myself grateful for things I previously took for granted, which is a lot. There is much to be grateful for and life is so much more enjoyable when we take the time be thankful. Having this attitude can also help us to deal with problems more effectively and efficiently. Meditate daily and you may even find yourself appreciating life’s challenges and view them as opportunities to grow.
Encourages Healthy Choices
Making any kind of healthy habit sparks a chain reaction of healthy choices. It will feel good to meditate. Make it a habit and you’ll find that you have the desire as well as the energy to make more changes. Tiny changes even. But those tiny changes will grow and you will look back year after year and be amazed by the progress.
How to Meditate
If you are busy and have a hard time being still, just start with five minutes. You can set a timer on your phone. Find a comfortable seat on the floor or on a chair and rest your hands in your lap or on your knees. (You could also lie down but if you’re like me you’ll fall asleep, so I wouldn’t recommend it). Breathe through your nose. Focus your mind on your breath, notice the feel of the air on the little spot beneath your nose. If your mind wanders, it’s okay. It likely will until it is a habit. When you notice your mind wandering gently bring it back to your breathe. No reason to get frustrated, you are taking this time for you and no one is going to know if your mind wandered while you were meditating. Just keep breathing.
Try to meditate at the same time everyday, it will help you make it a habit. That being said, feel free to meditate at any time of the day. There are also many different ways to meditate. If you have a hard time with this one, feel free to look into other kinds of meditation such as walking meditation, TM, envisioning, mala beads, etc.
Share the way you meditate, or would like to, in the comments!
I like to meditate every day (upon waking), though recently my schedule changed so I’m finding a new, good time to meditate.
Also, I’ve tried meditating twice a day, maybe once in the morning and then again in the early evening but am busy once the day starts and it’s a challenge to find that extra 10 minutes sometimes!
Best wishes!
It really is! I have also been trying to meditate that second time a day. When I am tired and busy, ten minutes can be so elusive! I hope we both make our goals.
Best wishes to you as well!