If you are new to the word meditation, and the concept of deep breathing and the positive effects it can bring to your overall health and well being then this article will break it all down for you. Meditation is a simple, inexpensive and doesn’t take much time out of your day, and the results you will see can be life-changing.

What is Meditation?

In short, meditation is a breathing technique that is centuries old and used in many parts of the world as a way to relieve stress and get in touch with your higher self. While the practice is usually attributed to Buddhism and Eastern ideologies, the fact is, there are many ways you can achieve meditation other than sitting quietly and focusing on your breath.

Catholics consider the tradition of saying what is called a “rosary” while holding and counting a sacred chain of beads a form a meditation. So whether you sit in a chair or on a yoga mat, the idea is to sit, breath incrementally while focusing on your breath entering and exiting your body.

How To Meditate

Meditation techniques work best in a quiet space with no noise or simple sounds like meditation music or drums. Also, try to control your breath. Count to a number like eight or ten when breathing in, hold for a moment, and then do the same number count when breathing out. Time yourself and start for a few minutes then try to work your way up to ten.

Of course, this method might not work for you, so be sure to research traditional methods and meditation techniques if you’d like to further your knowledge. Just remember, meditation is a method of growth and cannot be measured. This is why it is called a practice because you never stop practicing and growing.

The Perfect Setting

One of the best ways to enhance your meditation practice is to make sure you are in peaceful surroundings. This is a personal choice but whatever room, space, or yard you choose to natural light and wonderful scents help take your practice to the next level. Incense is a nice choice or you could invest in some healing essential oils.

No matter how you choose to create your space, there is something. If your space is vast you may want to invest in a diffuser for larger rooms so you can reap all the benefits of the aromatics. Added to the benefits brought on by meditation smells like lavender and frankincense can make a big difference.

As for the benefits, the practice of meditation brings about, they are abundant.

Eases Chronic Pain

As reported in Psychology Today, a regular meditation practice can reduce your chronic pain by ninety-percent. The evidence of its effects are so overwhelming pain clinics are now subscribing mindful meditation as a way to cope with chronic pain.

Helps With Anxiety

Stress is a part of life. There is no avoiding it no matter who you are and excess stress can lead to unneeded anxiety. We may not eradicate stress but we can learn to manage it healthly. While there are medicines you can take and exercises you can do, mindful meditation is one of the best ways to alleviate anxiety on the spot, no matter where you are.

Boosts Heart Health

The Journal of the American Heart Association published findings that mindfulness, another term for meditation, has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Researchers believe that the act of mindfulness not only directly affects the way the heart functions but will also improve how you see life. Which brings us to our next point.

Brightens Your Mood

Bad moods are another part of life we wish would just go away. Just like stress, this is unavoidable. Foul attitudes are found in most people at some time, it’s up to them whether or not they let it set the stage for the day, week, or year. Mediation is a natural way to lift that mood and bring a smile to your face when the clouds are hanging low.

Strengthens the Immune System

Our immune system keeps us healthy by fighting off invaders set out to make us sick and ruin our ability to get anything done. There are essential oils that can boost your immunity as well as foods that can give it strength. Meditation has been shown to have a compelling effect on the way our immune system functions.

A Final Thought

Thoughts are important when it comes to meditation. This is when you sit with your thoughts and let your breath move them out of your head and into your lungs, where they sit for a moment and then are released through your mouth. If you breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth and imagine the words being washed away, you will find yourself free.

Whether you’ve been stressed about work or trying to decide what to get for your first tattoo, sometimes it’s best to let go of your thoughts and clear your mind. If anything, it’s fifteen minutes when you can shut it all off, close your eyes, and ignore the rest of the world.