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Practicing Meditation to Reduce Stress
When we are stressed, we are most often tightly wound up about problems at home, in the workplace, or in our relationships with others. How we choose to deal with our stress varies from person to person, but more are choosing to practice meditation in their daily lives. What exactly is meditation? According to the Mayo Clinic, meditation “is considered a type of mind-body complementary medicine…[and] produces a deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind.” When you allow yourself to be in such a calm state, you are able to eliminate any worried thoughts you previously had.
Practicing meditation can bring about benefits to your emotional well-being as well, which according to Mayo Clinic staff include:
- Gaining a new perspective on stressful situations
- Building skills to manage your stress
- Increasing self-awareness
- Focusing on the present
- Reducing negative emotions
There are also many types of meditation, which all result in achieving inner peace and relaxation. Here are a few to know if you would like to try meditating on your own:
- Mantra meditation- This type of meditation involves you silently repeating a calming word or phrase to yourself, allowing you to focus deeply on your thoughts.
- Mindfulness meditation- This type of meditation focuses on being mindful of living in the present moment. You instead focus your energy on the flow of your breathing and not as much on your thoughts.
- Guided meditation- This type of meditation involves you forming mental images of places or certain situation you find relaxing by using your five senses. A teacher or a guide most commonly leads guided meditation.
Lastly, the benefits of meditation bring an overall sense of balance to your health, especially if you are dealing with a medical condition or illness such as anxiety disorders, asthma or depression. As always, consult with your doctor to discuss the benefits of meditation in your own life, as it is important to know that meditation should not replace regular medical treatment.
***source: http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/meditation/in-depth/meditation/art-20045858
