Do you suffer from the winter blues? Mindfulness and mediation can help. The fact that meditation requires practise is something that is frequently overlooked. However, you shouldn't let that stop you from starting! Everyone has a beginning. For many people, especially neuro-divergent people, it can be very challenging to learn how to meditate. But in all honesty, practise does indeed make perfect, therefore the rewards are worth it. Meditation is training your mind to concentrate and redirect its thoughts. Many people also use the practice to develop other positive feelings and attributes, including a positive outlook on life, self-control, healthy sleep habits and even a higher pain threshold.
Why Meditation Is Good
Different styles of meditation might help you develop your self-understanding and help you become your best self. For example, self-inquiry meditation aims to help you become more aware of who you are and how you connect with those around you. Researchers found that people who listened to a meditation tape while completing a task showed improved accuracy and focus than those in the control group. Even a small meditation session each day could be helpful. Daily meditation for just eight weeks can improve focus and memory.
Stress Management
Your body's cortisol levels increase in response to both emotional and physical stress. This leads to the release of cytokines, which are inflammatory chemicals and one of the causes the detrimental effects of stress. One review found that meditation can help people feel less stressed. It's crucial to reduce stress with practices like meditation because stress’ consequences can make it hard to fall asleep, promote worry and melancholy, elevate blood pressure and lead to weariness and brain fog.
Physical Symptoms of Stress
High blood pressure can harm the heart over time as the heart needs to work harder to pump blood. High blood pressure also contributes to atherosclerosis, or the narrowing of the arteries, which can result in a heart attack or stroke. Meditation essentially compels you to unwind, which lowers your heart rate and improves physical wellness.
The Bottom Line
Everyone is capable of mediation and mindfulness. The best part is that they are entirely free and can be done anywhere. Even if you just have a little amount of time to meditate every day, it's a great idea to try out several techniques until you find one that works for you.
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