Stress can show up in any form, at any time - and it can be easy to succumb to it. Concerns such as school, friends, finances, family and our jobs can make life seem overwhelming - and sometimes it can be!
It's bad enough that stress can make its way into our everyday lives, but if we allow it to go on inside us without addressing it, we can face serious psychological, emotional and even physiological damage. So, how does one go about battling stress?
Meditation is not only one of the best ways to reduce stress; it's also one of the most well-studied and easiest ways to feel better. Though, to a modern reader - particularly the skeptic - meditation sounds rather woo-woo, it's not: not only has it been seen in every culture in the world over the last thousand years, there are scientific studies that have proven its value. By following the steps below, you'll learn how to silence your mind and to deeply relax. Afterwards, you'll wonder why you didn't start meditating sooner!
To begin, you need to clear yourself from everything - people, phones, work, etc.; anything that can distract you from relaxing. Make sure that you're alone and have enough time to get the relaxation you need because that's what it's all about. Also, you'll want to make sure that your body feels comfortable; therefore, you may need to change your clothing or to go into a room with soft furniture.
Now, you're ready to begin: first, sit in a comfortable position. Many people like to sit on the floor with their legs crossed, but it doesn't really matter as long as you're comfortable. Next, take several deep, relaxing breaths. Clear your mind by letting go of all the stressful thoughts from your day--they're of no consequence now. Let your muscles loosen. Then, shut your eyes and draw all of your attention toward just one relaxing, gentle picture, word, or idea. If you already have a thought that makes you feel calm and refreshed, use that. Many people enjoy pictures of waterfalls, the sounds of ocean, or the serene quiet on top of a mountain; however, it doesn't really matter as long as it relaxes you.
Focus on this image as long as you can. When you feel yourself drifting away from the image, don't force it to stay. This is a good time to stop. Stretch and exhale deeply as you come back to reality. Congratulations, you have just completed the most simple and basic form of meditation! Pretty easy wasn't it?
The reason that this method reduces stress is that it shifts your attention from the stresses of the day to something else. Likewise, this basic meditation is groundwork for more complex techniques and meditations that will greatly deepen your state of well-being. In other words, this simple mediation is preparing you for much deeper, more helpful meditations.
You will always want to start any stress reduction exercise with this basic meditative and relaxed state. You may also wish to concentrate on whatever phrases help you relax. Saying "nice and easy" or "all is well" are good generic examples of phrases that help to relax us and calm the mind.
So, the next time you're feeling tense, stressed, or anxious, you know what to do: find a word, idea, or image that makes you feel relaxed and meditate on it for a few minutes. You'll be glad you did because your agitation will melt away--and unlike most Western methods for stress-reduction, the only side-effects you have to look forward to are feeling calm, looser muscles, and a general sense of well-being!
It's bad enough that stress can make its way into our everyday lives, but if we allow it to go on inside us without addressing it, we can face serious psychological, emotional and even physiological damage. So, how does one go about battling stress?
Meditation is not only one of the best ways to reduce stress; it's also one of the most well-studied and easiest ways to feel better. Though, to a modern reader - particularly the skeptic - meditation sounds rather woo-woo, it's not: not only has it been seen in every culture in the world over the last thousand years, there are scientific studies that have proven its value. By following the steps below, you'll learn how to silence your mind and to deeply relax. Afterwards, you'll wonder why you didn't start meditating sooner!
To begin, you need to clear yourself from everything - people, phones, work, etc.; anything that can distract you from relaxing. Make sure that you're alone and have enough time to get the relaxation you need because that's what it's all about. Also, you'll want to make sure that your body feels comfortable; therefore, you may need to change your clothing or to go into a room with soft furniture.
Now, you're ready to begin: first, sit in a comfortable position. Many people like to sit on the floor with their legs crossed, but it doesn't really matter as long as you're comfortable. Next, take several deep, relaxing breaths. Clear your mind by letting go of all the stressful thoughts from your day--they're of no consequence now. Let your muscles loosen. Then, shut your eyes and draw all of your attention toward just one relaxing, gentle picture, word, or idea. If you already have a thought that makes you feel calm and refreshed, use that. Many people enjoy pictures of waterfalls, the sounds of ocean, or the serene quiet on top of a mountain; however, it doesn't really matter as long as it relaxes you.
Focus on this image as long as you can. When you feel yourself drifting away from the image, don't force it to stay. This is a good time to stop. Stretch and exhale deeply as you come back to reality. Congratulations, you have just completed the most simple and basic form of meditation! Pretty easy wasn't it?
The reason that this method reduces stress is that it shifts your attention from the stresses of the day to something else. Likewise, this basic meditation is groundwork for more complex techniques and meditations that will greatly deepen your state of well-being. In other words, this simple mediation is preparing you for much deeper, more helpful meditations.
You will always want to start any stress reduction exercise with this basic meditative and relaxed state. You may also wish to concentrate on whatever phrases help you relax. Saying "nice and easy" or "all is well" are good generic examples of phrases that help to relax us and calm the mind.
So, the next time you're feeling tense, stressed, or anxious, you know what to do: find a word, idea, or image that makes you feel relaxed and meditate on it for a few minutes. You'll be glad you did because your agitation will melt away--and unlike most Western methods for stress-reduction, the only side-effects you have to look forward to are feeling calm, looser muscles, and a general sense of well-being!
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