Is the stress of writer’s block, deadlines or problems you have at work or at home getting to you, affecting your life, health and happiness? Then maybe it’s time to consider some meditation exercises. I know, I know. Hippies, crystals and meditation, oh my! Had you asked me eighteen months ago, I would have scoffed at the idea, too. But then I did it. And I loved it. Now, it’s such a part of what I do that I feel off kilter without it. I love and recommend it. Here are the basic things you need to know!
Why Should I Consider Meditation?
You’re probably asking yourself whether meditation really works and whether their benefits are substantial. The answer is simple: yes. Double yes. Meditating presents a wide range of advantages, from better health, improved mood and sleep, to more energy, vitality and focus, less stress, less frustration and less worries. It sounds appealing, right? So, if you’ve been feeling any of these things lately, or if you simply want to gain a more general feeling of well-being, calmness and happiness, you should consider meditation.
What Do I Need in Order to Start Meditating?
If you decide you want to give it a try, then the first thing you need is determination. You want to do it? Good, let’s do it. It is not like meditation requires certain tools or complicated techniques – basically, you just need willpower and desire, in order to benefit from meditation. And, of course, you need a bit of time to allocate to your meditation sessions – 15, 20 minutes every other day is ideal. My preferred is about 30 minutes. There is only one rule you should consider . . . you gotta relax. Completely. Body and mind.
How Can I Relax?
It’s not as easy as it sounds, is it? Sure, just relax, all my problems are gone. For a beginner, it might be quite difficult. Most beginners find their minds wandering when trying to meditate, instead of clearing their minds and enjoying the state of calmness. Or others get bored when trying to empty their minds. This happens occasionally and, even if this happens to you, you should know that you’ll get better with time and practice. You’ll be able to enjoy meditation completely.
But let’s start from the beginning. In order to completely relax, you need to start your meditation at the right time. Kids running through the house, a loud TV, or a noisy neighbour might not be conducive to relaxation. You need peace, quietness, a good atmosphere, a cozy decor or a welcoming natural ambience. After you find a peaceful moment, try to let your body relax, to push the tension down, unclench that jaw and loosen your muscles. Notice how your entire body feels better – this will help you clear your mind later on.
Are There Different Types of Meditation?
There is a great range of ways to meditate. You can choose from visualization exercises (when you are picturing positive, beautiful elements, places or moments), concentration exercises (when you are trying to focus on your body’s sensations and stimulants) breathing exercises (which are used in all types of meditation, as an essential premise) and many more, including specific meditation exercises for better sleep, better appetite, less stress and other problems that need to be eliminated from your daily life. From mindfulness, spiritual, transcendental and many others. Which one is right for you? Try them. For me, I love visualisation meditation – guided by a lovely voice in my ear.
Like anything, if you want good results, you need to practice, to improve yourself on a permanent basis – only like this will you achieve that positive, well-being feeling that you are looking for. Good luck!
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