For years, my counselor encouraged me to try meditation as a way to cope with my anxiety. I made half-hearted attempts but ultimately felt defeated. I believed I needed to meditate for extended periods and during the perfect time of day to experience any advantages. My efforts to meditate often heightened my anxiety because I struggled to find the right mindset and truly unwind. Interruptions from my kids, emails, chores, and, most frequently, my own racing thoughts distracted me.
However, after being diagnosed with breast cancer, my resolve to meditate was rekindled. I needed effective strategies to manage my stress levels. During my six months of treatment, I couldn’t solely depend on therapy (which was infrequent) or exercise (as I was often too fatigued). Once I discovered how to meditate properly, I fell into a rhythm that was so transformative that I have now maintained a meditation practice for sixty consecutive days—and I’m still going strong.
In today’s world, it seems everyone is dealing with immense stress. The pandemic has only exacerbated existing pressures. Many of us found ourselves homeschooling, while friends faced job losses or significant career changes—like the challenge of working from home alongside their children’s remote learning. A few even contracted COVID-19, and two of them were later diagnosed with long-haul syndrome.
My journey into meditation revealed its numerous benefits, which can support individuals in various life situations. The beauty of meditation lies in its accessibility; it’s free, can be practiced almost anywhere, and offers both immediate and long-term health improvements. But don’t just take my word for it. I consulted Dr. Emily Johnson, a licensed psychologist and clinical assistant professor at a renowned medical school, to gain further insights into the magic of meditation.
The Benefits of Meditation
Dr. Johnson often recommends meditation to her clients as a crucial tool in their “mental health toolkit,” one they can utilize during stressful times or as part of their self-care routines. I discovered that if I waited until I felt stressed to meditate, it became even more daunting. Instead, I incorporated meditation into my daily self-care practice, just as Dr. Johnson advised.
She noted that meditation has a multitude of advantages. It helps enhance focus and awareness, elevates mood, recharges energy, and, of course, aids in stress management. When practiced consistently, meditation benefits us mentally and physically by grounding us in the present moment, enabling us to release past regrets and future anxieties. It also provides clarity.
Diana Smith, a meditation instructor and psychiatric nurse, emphasizes the endless benefits of meditation. Through her practice, she has found herself becoming “less reactive and more responsive,” allowing her to engage with her anxious thoughts in a more spacious and grounded manner. She has also noticed an increase in bodily awareness and a deeper sense of compassion for herself and others.
How to Get Started with Meditation
Now that we recognize the potential of meditation to enhance our lives, the next question is, how do we actually practice it? It’s easier said than done, as I learned through my own struggles. Dr. Johnson understands that many people may feel overwhelmed by the thought of meditation and hold misconceptions, such as believing they must sit in silence for an hour daily. The truth is, even a few minutes of meditation can yield health benefits.
She encourages setting a small, achievable goal and starting where you are. Meditation can be as simple as a self-check-in—taking time to become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. It’s important to be kind to ourselves, especially when feelings arise; Dr. Johnson suggests not trying to change them.
Diana Smith advises starting small and maintaining consistency. Even if you can only meditate for a few minutes, that’s perfectly acceptable. She also encourages us to find joy in the practice. If meditation feels like a chore, we’re likely to abandon it. Mindful activities, like mindful walking or eating, can also be beneficial.
The key to success, like with anything else, is commitment. We need to prioritize meditation daily. Smith prefers to meditate first thing in the morning when she knows she’ll have time alone. I’ve adopted the same approach. Previously, I attempted to meditate later in the day, but it never worked. In hindsight, it was unrealistic to try meditating when I lacked energy or motivation. In the morning, I am at my most alert and ready to set a positive tone for the day.
Meditation is either free or low-cost. I use an app that offers both a free version and premium content for a fee. This app allows me to customize my meditation experience by choosing the type of meditation and the ending sounds, along with setting personal goals. I prefer guided sessions, which typically last no more than five minutes a day. Even within these brief moments, I have noticed a significant reduction in my anxiety, and I have learned valuable techniques and mantras along the way. I can meditate anywhere, whether lying on a radiation table or seated in a chemotherapy chair.
If you’re looking to add a calming practice to your routine that helps lessen stress and heightens awareness, meditation is worth trying. It demands little from you besides your willingness to be present and see what unfolds. To be cliché, what do you have to lose?
If you’re interested in exploring related topics, check out this post on home insemination techniques or learn more about fertility supplements that can enhance your journey. For further information on health and pregnancy, Science Daily offers excellent resources.
Summary
I embarked on a 60-day meditation journey that transformed my approach to stress and overall health. Initially skeptical, I found that incorporating meditation into my daily routine provided significant mental and physical benefits. Accessible and adaptable, meditation can fit into anyone’s life and promote mindfulness and calmness, making it a valuable practice for managing stress.
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