How to Meditate for Lasting Health Benefits
By Stepy Kamei
In our fast-paced, hectic society, meditation seems to be the least practical thing we can do for our health. After all, it involves taking precious time out of our day to sit still and do nothing, right? It may seem like meditation is unhelpful, but in reality, taking time to practice meditation can benefit many aspects of your health and wellness, both physically as well as mentally. In fact, many people find quite a few improvements to multiple aspects of their well-being when they choose to practice meditation on a regular basis. If you're ready to give meditation a try, yet you're still not entirely sure how to get started, consider reading on to learn about the different types of meditative practices you can try out -- and what you can gain to your well-being as a result.
How Meditation Improves Our Health
One of the more well-known benefits of meditation is stress reduction -- and this is not something to be glossed over. Stress and anxiety affects virtually every single one of us, and many times, it can be more of a problem than we realize. Stress can contribute to reduced productivity, insomnia, weight gain, chronic pain, and even increases your chance of developing heart disease over time. Reducing feelings of stress by incorporating meditation into your wellness routine can make a huge, positive difference in your overall health.
Furthermore, meditation can boost the function of the immune system, as well as naturally and safely bring about relief from aches, pains, and stiffness.
Types of Meditation To Try
So, are you ready to get started with trying out meditation? If the idea of sitting still for a period of time doesn't -- pardon the pun -- sit right with you, consider trying out a walking meditation. Go for a slow, contemplative walk outdoors while the sun is out, and keep your mind focused on the steps you take. Concentrating on the feel of the ground beneath your feet, in addition to the way your legs move one stride at a time, can help calm and center your mind.
You can also perform this type of meditation while completing a chore, such as cleaning dishes or getting dressed. Focus on the movements you are making in order to be more mindful and intentional when it comes to your thoughts and your surroundings.
If you do want to try a sitting meditation, consider trying a guided meditation to help you through. There are many videos online which you can access to try out a guided meditation, from just two minutes to two hours.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Durham, N.C.