11 Benefits of Meditation

Give yourself the gift of a natural high – a gift that just keeps giving!!!!

What is Meditation?

Meditation is a state of deep relaxation and a self-healing method which creates harmony & a tranquil mind.  It involves conscious detachment from our busy thoughts by focusing on our breath, and it’s considered to be a type of mind/body complementary medicine.   It’s easy to do, it has clinically proven benefits, and it’s free!!!

Meditation isn’t just about the mind  – the  actual physiology undergoes change, such as:

• lowered blood pressure, 
• increased levels of nitric oxide in the blood – helping to reduce anxiety attacks and depression, 
• increased serotonin – leading to improvements in mood & behaviour
• it boosts the immune system – thus positively affecting auto-immune health conditions
• it decreases tension-related pain, such as headaches, musculoskeletal disorders
• increases energy levels – the stressed out brain uses up and depletes energy levels – think of a drained battery
• alters the neuroplasticity of the brain, enabling us to sustainably better manage the ‘fight, freeze or flight state of mind’ & panic states

Meditation takes us from our busy beta brainwaves state to our alpha brainwaves – a state of wakeful relaxation where we can rest & repair.  It nourishes us from within and calms us.  With regular practice, we can build up our emotional resilience and create a default state of wellbeing, equilibrium & peace.

So what about the mental & emotional benefits of meditation?

Clinical studies have shown that meditation:

1. Reduces anxiety
2. It helps you to better manage stress
3. Improves emotional stability – you can have more control over your emotions
4. Alters one’s perspective due to peace of mind & clarity
5. You’ll have more focus & rationality
6. Increases creativity & problem solving
7. Reduces anger & negative emotions
8. You’ll likely make better/healthier life decisions
9. Increases happiness
10. Assists in changing behaviours & habits
11. You have more motivation

How Often Should you Meditate?

It can be as long or as short as you care to make it, but do try to create the time to meditate every day.  It has a cumulative effect, but you’ll very quickly start to notice the benefits! If you can incorporate it into your daily routine and meditate at the same time every day, even better.

How to Meditate?

Set your intention, that you’re now about to take 20 minutes (or however long you want) to meditate and to simply just be.  

Find yourself a warm, pleasant space where you’re unlikely to be interrupted.  

Put your phone off or on airplane mode.  

I always like to have some water before I start.  

I also have a blanket as it can get a bit chilly sometimes if you’re remaining still for any length of time.  You can be seated or lying down.  

I then take 3 deep breaths in my nose and out my mouth and then I breathe normally and concentrate on my breath.  

Sometimes I think about my beating heart and try to listen to it.  

Sometimes I think about breathing in peace and breathing out calm.

Sometimes I focus on the flame of a candle

Sometimes I imagine being suspended in the space of the Universe

If you find thoughts come in (and they will!) let them go and just return to thinking about your breath, or even of absolute nothingness.  

You may find your mind wanders regularly, but don’t give up – it is a Meditation Practice – and we all know how repeatedly practicing something leads to increased ability & accomplishment!

“Meditation will not carry you to another world, but it will reveal the most profound and awesome dimensions of the world in which you already live!”