Back in high school, I took an aerobics gym class where once a week we would do yoga and meditation. After I began practicing meditation once a week I knew I needed to continue this healthy habit in my life. The way I would feel after I mediated was like no other, I could feel all of my problems slipping away. While meditation will not fix all of your problems, it sure will help you have a clearer and healthier mind. Here are a few reasons why you should incorporate meditation into your daily routine:
1. It reduces stress
Most often when I like to meditate, it is usually because I am stressed. This stress can be mentally or physically but either way meditation can be extremely helpful. Taking my mind off of whatever is stressing me out and focusing on my breathing and nothing else is a great way to take a pause and then be ready to take on whatever is in my way.
2. It controls anxiety
With less stress comes less anxiety. If you are finding yourself getting anxious in different situations, meditating daily or every other day would be a great addition to your daily routine as it can be used as a coping mechanism when you are having anxiety.
3. Gives you a more positive outlook on life
Meditation can provide the opportunity to focus on your gratitude and think positively about the world around you. When I meditate I always take a moment to be grateful for someone or something in my life. This can help block out negativity and replace it with positivity. Doing this daily is a great habit to get into if you are finding yourself more pessimistic or depressed.
4. Increases positive feelings/actions towards yourself and others
By practicing meditation you can learn to appreciate those around you who you already do appreciate like friends and family. Then you can learn to be kind towards acquaintances and towards enemies. Learning to be kind and grateful to all of the people in your life can help you act that same way towards yourself which is just as important.
5. It Improves Sleep
Those who meditate daily are getting in the habit of relaxing the body and releasing all the tension that gets built up throughout the day. Applying the same techniques used while meditating can lead to a good night’s sleep. You can have more control over your mind and you can stop those racing thoughts so you can go to sleep quicker and have a better overall quality of sleep.
Apps like Headspace and Calm are awesome for meditation for all levels whether it is your first time meditating or your 100th. They do have free versions but to unlock more meditation packs you will have to pay. Youtube has some great meditation videos that are free if you would rather opt for that.
Happy Meditating!