If you’re anything like me, you’ve been told a million times, “meditation would be great for you.” You may have even been convinced that this is true. Yet, you’ve decided every time that sitting silently with the word “om” ringing in your ears just isn’t going to happen. Why can’t it happen though? Getting into meditation doesn’t have to mean blue print cleanses or expensive yoga gear. It can be quick and free, and in no way requires you to replace Pizza with vegetables in a bottle.
Why You Should Meditate?
It decreases stress levels and anxiety. The part of the brain that processes our personal experiences is usually overly sensitive to stimulation. But when we meditate, this neural connection is weakened, meaning our reactions to these sensations are weaker. In turn we, for lack of a better word, just “chill.”
It increases your focus. Meditation’s practice of focusing our attention and being aware of our drifting thoughts actually improves our focus when we’re not meditating as well.
It brings you back to your “center.” Using fMRI scans, scientists now understand that when we meditate, our brains stop processing information so actively. When we put a stop to that rampant thoughts constantly buzzing through our minds, we become instantly more self-aware.
How Do You Meditate?
Mindful meditation is all about focus. To meditate, focus on one thing – your breathing, a sensation in your body, or a particular object. It sounds impossible. In a world with so much to think about, how can only one thing hold your attention? It is difficult. But the effort of bringing your wandering mind back to a focal point really does work…eventually.
How Can I Find Guided Meditations?
Look no further than your phone’s app store!
Omvana. This app lets you customize your meditation with the music, sounds, and quotes that relax you most. You can even record your voice to become your own meditation guide.
Simply Being. This app allows you to choose a session length, whether to have a guide or not, and soothing, natural sounds to the end of your meditation.
Get Some Headspace. This app is like your meditation coach. You can use “Get Some Headspace” to record meditation sessions and track your progress. The app even sends you a reminder to sit down and “om.” For those of us, like myself, who can’t seem to get past the first session of meditation, “Get Some Headspace” is like your annoying middle school sports coach pushing you “just a little harder.” And even I have to admit the little push was always good for me in the end.
Between constantly pouring over our computers and rushing from the library to LC, time to clear our mental clutter is virtually non-existent. But maybe the next time you’re about to clean out your backpack or desk drawer, take the time instead to clear out your mind.