Benefits of Meditation

Many people are exhausted in today’s stressed out, distracted society and find life in the rat race frustrating. Few of us know what it feels like to slow down and be deliberate about actions and thoughts. Instead, we suffer from the strain of constant business. Meditation can help you regain control in your out-of-control world.

Check out these 9 powerful tips and 3 actionable steps you can take right away!

TOP TIPS        

1. Helps Reduce Your Stress

When you are stressed, your body reacts by releasing cortisol. You may find you suffer from insomnia, anxiety, and increased blood pressure. Meditation helps reduce your stress and the amount of cortisol released in your body.

2. Lessens Anxiety in Some

Stress can increase anxiety in some people. As they learn some meditation techniques to reduce stress, they will also lower their anxiety levels. It helps you cope better in those anxiety-triggering situations.

3. Positive Increase of Your Emotional Health

Consistent meditation practice can improve your self-image and increase your positive outlook on things. In general, you will experience fewer negative thoughts as you grow in the course of meditating. 

4. Become More Self-Aware

Understanding yourself enables you to make better decisions and improve your life. It also helps you in relating to others around you. You can learn more about yourself, what makes you tick, and increase your problem-solving skills by meditating.

5. Increase Your Attention Span

Can you hold a thought for longer than 30 seconds? Many cannot. Enter the discipline of focused-attention meditation. With regular practice, you may find your attention span lasts longer than your two-year-old for the first time in months.

6. Improve Your Memory

If you want to fight off age-related memory loss and dementia, meditation may be precisely what you need. It helps improve your focus, memory, and mental clarity and is an excellent tool to keep your mind sharp.

7. Sleep Better at Night

Besides reducing stress and increasing your memory, you may find that you fall asleep faster in the evening. You learn to reign in your runaway thoughts that can keep you awake at night. It is all about relaxing your mind and body for a better night’s sleep.

8. Increase Your Empathy with Others

Depending on the type of meditation you choose, you may find that your feelings of kindness and empathy grow. You will learn to extend forgiveness to others and even yourself.

9. Fight Your Addictions

Be it alcohol, drugs, sugar, or food, addictions affect your life and relationships. Some types of meditating can help you learn to redirect your attention, emotions, and impulses. You will also better understand what is behind your addiction so that you may overcome it.

FAST-ACTION STEPS

1. Research the different meditation methods and decide what will work for your specific need. Many meditation approaches focus on various aspects of life. You may need to try several before you find what works for you.

2. Choose an area of your life you want to improve and focus on it. If you are stressed, cannot sleep, and are addicted to sugar, you may cause more frustration if you split your time between all three. Start with one area, master it, and then move to the next area of life you want to improve.

3. Look for apps, videos, or a counselor. Technology makes it possible to meditate on your own. You can find apps and videos to meet your needs. Alternatively, you may benefit from counseling that includes medication techniques.