(Source: Liveanddare.com)
We’ve all heard it before, meditation is good for the body, mind and soul. Taking just 20 minutes a day to practice any form of meditation can have many positive effects on a person. We know there are many benefits of meditation, but what are they and how do you start meditating if you’ve never done it before? Can you reap the same benefits of meditation doing it in your living room or do you need to take a formal class to do it right?
Meditation is the practice of transforming the mind into a state of peace and calm by removing the scattered thoughts that tend to take over our day to day thought process.
There are many kinds of meditation, hundreds in fact. Too many to go over here (but click here for an in depth look at 23 different types of meditation and how to do them), though they all share many common traits and you can enjoy all the benefits of meditation no matter which one you choose.
Physical benefits of meditation include:
As the body relaxes it becomes filled with positive energy and
- Lowers blood pressure
- Decreases stress
- Decreases tension
- Increases serotonin levels (this is the happiness hormone)
- Increases energy
- Reduces anxiety
Those are some great reasons to invest a little time each day to yourself, but it gets even better!
Mental benefits of meditation include:
As brainwaves relax you’re brought into a state of calm and peace that promotes
- Peace of mind
- Clarity
- Peacefulness
- Decreased anxiety
- Happiness
- Satisfaction
- Perspective
When one is focused on the here and now it is difficult to worry about those things which there is no control. Meditation is about letting go without giving up.
If you’re interested in getting started with meditation there are several great Youtube videos you can use to begin your journey.