For years, my counselor encouraged me to take up meditation as a way to cope with my anxiety. I attempted it multiple times but struggled to find the right mindset. The pressure to meditate perfectly only heightened my anxiety. I was frequently disrupted by my kids, emails, chores, or, most commonly, my own racing thoughts.
However, a diagnosis of breast cancer reignited my determination to meditate. I needed effective strategies to alleviate my stress during my six-month treatment. With therapy sessions being sporadic and exercise often exhausting, meditation became my lifeline. After finally discovering how to meditate effectively, I’ve maintained a streak of sixty consecutive days—and I’m still going strong.
It’s hard to find someone who isn’t feeling overwhelmed these days. The pandemic has intensified our existing challenges, with many parents juggling at-home schooling and work. I witnessed friends losing jobs or struggling with the demands of remote work while assisting their children. A few also contracted COVID-19, with some experiencing lingering effects.
Through my meditation journey, I’ve realized the practice’s extensive benefits for various life situations. The best part? Meditation is free, can be done almost anywhere, and offers immediate and long-term health benefits. Dr. Clara Thompson, a licensed psychologist and clinical assistant professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, helped me understand the magic behind meditation.
The Benefits of Meditation
Dr. Thompson recommends meditation as a valuable tool in one’s mental health arsenal. It can be employed during stressful times or integrated into daily self-care routines. I learned that waiting until I felt stressed only made meditation feel more daunting. Instead, I made it part of my daily practice, just as Dr. Thompson advised.
She noted that meditation enhances focus and awareness, boosts mood, recharges energy, and helps manage stress. Regular practice not only benefits our mental state but also contributes to physical well-being. It brings us into the present moment, allowing us to step away from past regrets or future anxieties, and fosters clarity.
Meditation and mindfulness educator, Jenna Lee, has discovered countless advantages through her practice. She feels less reactive and more mindful, and experiences a greater awareness of her body and increased compassion for herself and others.
How to Start Meditating
While the benefits are clear, getting started can be challenging. After numerous failed attempts, I finally found success. Dr. Thompson acknowledges the overwhelming feelings many have about meditation and the misconception that it requires lengthy silent sessions. The great news is that even a few minutes can be beneficial.
She advises setting small, achievable goals and beginning wherever you are. Meditation can simply involve checking in with yourself and becoming aware of your surroundings and emotions. Be gentle with yourself; when feelings arise, don’t feel pressured to change them.
Jenna Lee encourages starting small and remaining consistent. It’s perfectly okay to meditate for just a few minutes. The key is to enjoy the process. If we view meditation as a chore, we’re less likely to stick with it. Try incorporating mindful activities like walking or eating.
As with any new habit, commitment is crucial. Daily meditation should be a priority. Jenna prefers to meditate in the morning, as it’s the only guaranteed quiet time. I found that attempting to meditate later in the day was futile; I realized I was most alert and motivated in the morning.
Meditation is either free or low-cost. I use an app that provides both free and premium content. It allows me to customize my meditation preferences, including the type of session and sounds. I typically opt for guided meditations, never exceeding five minutes. Even in that brief time, I’ve experienced increased calmness and discovered new techniques and mantras. I can meditate anywhere—even while lying on a radiation table or sitting in a chemo chair.
If you’re looking to introduce a calming practice into your routine that reduces stress and enhances awareness, meditation is worth trying. It requires minimal effort beyond showing up as you are. So really, what have you got to lose? For more insights, you might want to check out this other blog post that discusses related topics.
For those interested in more information regarding pregnancy and home insemination, March of Dimes offers excellent resources. Additionally, if you’re considering home insemination, Make a Mom is an authority on this subject.
Summary
Meditation can significantly improve mental and physical health, especially during stressful times. By incorporating even a few minutes of meditation into your daily routine, you can experience a calmer mindset and greater awareness. With resources readily available, there’s no reason not to give it a try.
Leave a Reply