As beautiful and joyous as life can be, it can also be plain ol’ stressful. Whether it’s mortgage payments, parenting or bosses who don’t give us the credit we deserve, stress can come at us from different, often unexpected, directions.
How stressed are we?
Surveys show that 33% of people feel they live with extreme stress, while 48% believe the stress in their lives has increased over the past five years. And a whopping 77% of people surveyed said they experience physical symptoms caused by stress.
What are some of these physical symptoms linked to chronic stress?
• Pain of any kind
• Sleep problems
• Digestive problems
• Heart disease
• Weight problems
• Reproductive issues
• Thinking and memory issues
What is meditation?
When people hear “meditation,” they have instant visions of sitting in lotus position chanting, “Ohm.”
Mindful meditation is simply the practice of harnessing our attention to quiet our chattering minds. Instead of letting our brains run rampant like energetic puppies, sniffing one thought after another and another and another, mindfulness focuses our attention in the now.
What is happening for me right in this moment? I’m sitting at my desk, writing this article, concentrating on finding the right words, and feeling a bit hurried. I also notice that my mind is trying to work much faster than my fingers can type, because I have to go grocery shopping before I get home. As I notice this, I take a deep breath and allow myself to slow down.
Now you try it – what is happening for you right in this moment?
Meditation is a practice.
Mediation is deceptively simple. You may feel that it can’t possibly work or that you won’t benefit from it.
Meditation is called a “practice” for a reason. Like anything else that is beneficial to your mind and body (healthy nutrition and sleep), it takes commitment to reap benefits from meditation.
How does meditation help?
Meditation has been linked with improved immune response, reduction in pain sensitivity, and a shift from negative thinking to more positivite thinking.
Research also shows that meditation may physically alter the brain and how we are able to cope with chronic stress.
4 tips to start meditation.
Get comfortable. Sit in a comfy chair or sofa, lie down, or sit on the floor. Whatever feels comfortable for you. Be comfortable enough that body sensations don’t distract you, but not so comfortable that you fall asleep.
Breathe naturally. Stop controlling your breath. Breathe naturally, simply staying aware of your breath.
Start with just a few minutes. Two minutes is all you can do? Great, start with that. You can build on it over time.
Perfection not needed. There is no doing this perfectly. Just keep practicing every day and notice the changes you start experiencing.
Experiencing stress in your life, and want help managing it? Schedule a Deep Dive Session with Ania.