Relieving Stress Through Meditation

With everything that is happening in the world today, it’s not easy to stay calm and peaceful. So many people are currently stressed-out. To achieve emotional balance and deal with stress, psychologists recommend adding meditation to your daily routine. I’m sure you’d like to feel better, don’t you?

A lot of successful people regularly meditate to enhance their mental and emotional wellbeing. Multiple studies over the last 30-40 years demonstrated that meditation can be very helpful. Meditation can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and help with insomnia. It can also elevate your mood, boost your attention and strengthen the immune system.

There are different meditation practices which can be used for various purposes: to clear your mind, to sharpen focus, to develop awareness, to calm your nervous system and to create a sense of peace. Also, many people use meditation to manifest what they want in life.

You’re probably wondering, where should I start? Mediation can either be guided or un-guided. If you’ve never meditated before, I recommend starting with guided meditations. As you gain experience and become more aware of your inner states, you’ll be able to create a practice that is ideal for you.

It’s up to you which kind of meditation to use in the beginning. You can play with different options and choose the ones that feel most right for you. This is where technology becomes handy. There are literally hundreds of various meditations on YouTube and Spotify for you to try! Also, there are plenty of apps that will help you to jump start your journey – Headspace, Calm, Insight Timer, and Aura to name just a few.

It’s a good idea to designate a special place in your home for your meditation practice. Eventually, just entering this space will elicit feelings of peace and serenity. It can be a separate room in your house or apartment, or just a little corner.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when creating your sanctuary: 

Embrace simplicity and a clutter-free environment. You can paint your walls or hang some curtains, but choose soft, neutral colors like off-white, beige, or pastel tones. Decorate your space with plants, natural elements like wood and stone that are meaningful to you and which bring in grounding, and Earthy energy. There is some evidence that crystals may help to remove and transmute negative energy. Consider using soft lighting, like candles or dimmable lamps. Many people like to use masks to block the light and to help them to turn inward. Adding essential oil diffusers with scents that appeal to you will enhance your tranquil experience. Some sources suggest that essential oils like lavender, bergamot, jasmine and lemon may also promote calmness. It is important to note that the scent should be pleasing to you.

The best position for meditation is cross-legged with your spine erect, but if you find it difficult to sustain, use a chair. If so, select comfortable chairs or cushions that will facilitate your relaxation and allow you to maintain your position for some time. Some people meditate lying down but it’s hard to not fall asleep! It’s not recommended to meditate in your bed as you associate your bed with sleeping which makes it even harder to stay awake during meditation.

As you embark on your journey, you’ll learn what works best for you. You can start with 5-10 minutes per day and then gradually increase your meditation time. Consistency is the key, but if you skip some days, don’t be too hard on yourself. There’s always tomorrow. Like learning how to ride a bicycle, any new habit or skill takes some time to acquire. Just start again the next day! Remember to be loving and kind to yourself as you develop this new skill.

Happy meditating! Share your best meditation practices in the comments!

Check out the recent ApartmentGuide article we were featured in: 

Creating a peaceful meditation space in your home is essential for finding moments of calm and mindfulness in your daily routine. Whether you’re living in Austin, TX, Asheville, NC, or Boulder, CO, creating a personalized meditation space in any setting can elevate your daily practice and provide a peaceful retreat to unwind and reconnect. This list of tips comes recommended by experts to help you design your own meditation space in your home. 

Read the full article here: Designing the Perfect Meditation Space in Your Home | ApartmentGuide.com