Meditation and Mental Wellness: Everything You Need to Know
The practice of meditation is on the rise as the number of people who meditate within a year tripled from 2012 to 2017. This shows that more people are addressing their mental health as a component of overall well-being.
If you want to begin your practice but don’t know where to start then you should understand its purpose, benefits, and methods before embarking on your journey.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about meditation and mental wellness.
What is Meditation and How Can it Improve Mental Wellness?
Meditation is the practice of intense concentration on the inner self while improving mental health. It provides an outlet to remove yourself from everyday tasks.
By going inward, the mind can relax and either has no thoughts or allows thoughts to pass through without identifying with them.
The Benefits of Meditation
The reasons someone meditates vary, however, 84% of people do so to relieve anxiety and stress. Other benefits of a daily meditation routine include:
- Enhances Cognition
- Improves Circulation
- Brings Self Awareness
- Increases Your Attention Span
- Slows the Production of Cortisol
- Relieves Tension and Pain
Studies have shown results for many of these benefits, however, everyone and every practice is different. So, the effects of self-care practices will also depend on the person.
How to Start Meditating
Even though meditation is your natural state of peace, it is often difficult to learn how to meditate. Luckily, there are many articles like the one you are reading that help you recall your natural self.
Start by learning the different types of meditation. Then find a quiet place in the morning or at night when the mind is still waking or preparing to sleep. Do this each day for at least five to 10 minutes and note how you feel.
Tips for Maintaining a Regular Meditation Practice
Remembering to or allowing yourself time for meditation is one of the hardest parts of keeping a routine. That is why doing it at the same time each day can help.
Set a timer on your phone or add it to your morning routine by waking up a few minutes early. The longer you practice meditation consequentially then the more benefits you will experience.
The Different Types of Meditation and Which One Might be Right for You
There are many types of meditation, some used by ancient civilizations and some more modern. You can also choose a guided meditation practice that uses visuals to relax the mind.
Other meditation types include:
- Chakra Meditation: Focusing on energy centers within the body.
- Breathing Meditation: Using the breath to maintain focus and relaxation.
- Mantra Meditation: Chanting phrases to promote concentration.
- Movement Meditation: Practicing slow movement with the breath like yoga asanas.
Each meditation will include instructions and different methods to follow. However, just sitting still and focusing on an object can also lead to a meditative state.
Getting Help With Meditation and Mental Wellness
Meditation and mental wellness should be incorporated into your everyday life, however, sometimes it can be difficult to focus on self-care. Having a support system to guide you and provide new meditation methods will improve your chances of success.
Let us help you with your self-care plan by contacting us for a spa treatment today.
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