These days, it’s getting harder and harder to stay present and focused. With our constant urge to distract ourselves with our phones at any dull moment, we’ve somehow lost our ability to simply be ‘in the moment’. This may not seem like a big deal, but it can be really harmful when we’re stressed or anxious. One solution to this problem is meditation, which can help us get back our ability to stay present, benefiting our mental and physical health.
Here are some great reasons to try meditation:
1. Stress-Relief: Stress is a silent destroyer most of us ignore. It can mess with our sleep, make us eat too much, and even cause our hair to thin out. If we don’t manage it, it can lead to heart problems and stomach issues, among other things. Meditation helps us counteract these harmful effects of stress. It has been found to lower cortisol, a stress hormone that causes inflammation and other harmful effects. If you’ve been stressed lately, meditation could help you bounce back.
2. Pain Management: Over 50 million Americans deal with chronic pain. Living with persistent pain can make daily chores a painful experience. With the growing concerns over addiction to painkillers, many are looking for alternative methods of managing pain like therapy, acupuncture, and physical therapy. Meditation is gaining recognition as a potent method for managing pain. It has been found to improve the tolerance for short-term, acute pain, and provide relief for lower back pain. Remember to check with your doctor before considering meditation as a part of your pain management plan.
3. Battling Depression: Depression can take away the joy of living. It can steal away the pleasure in things you once enjoyed and make life seem purposeless. Meditation, by combatting stress and anxiety (which often lead to depression), can help break the cycle. It trains your mind to refocus on the ‘now’, breaking free from negative thought patterns.
4. Lowering Blood Pressure: Cardiovascular diseases are a major cause of premature deaths around the world. Everyone can use a bit more focus on their heart health. Lowering blood pressure is a great way to help our hearts in the long run. High blood pressure makes our heart work harder and can lead to heart problems and even strokes. Meditation, when combined with healthy eating habits, can help lower blood pressure by relaxing the body and mind.
Want to give it a try? Starting meditation has never been easier. There are loads of instructional videos online that can help you get started. So, why not give it a shot? Get started and experience the benefits of meditation for yourself.
