by John Cottrell, PhD, CYT, E-RYT500, Sunshima blog writer
We all know how important it is to take care of ourselves. Sometimes, though, we do not make it a priority. We become too distracted by taking care of others (which of course is a good thing) as well as managing and worrying about other responsibilities. As you create productive and inclusive to-do lists, it is also wise to include yourself on that list. But what can you do to take better care of yourself?
There are many ways you can take care of yourself: engaging in daily exercise, getting eight hours of sleep each night, eating a plant-based diet, and even attending weekly sessions with your therapist. There’s one more thing you may want to add to your self-care to-do list, and that’s meditation.
You may have heard and inquired about meditation, but not tried it quite yet. Here are five reasons why meditation is good for self-care.
Stress Reduction
One of the main reasons why meditation is so popular and useful is because of the stress-reduction benefits of the practice. We tend to live most of our lives under a deep amount of stress. The long list of obligations and other life responsibilities weigh heavily on our minds and bodies. It is important to take quality time to de-stress so that it doesn’t lead to other mental and physical problems.
Breathing is the main focal point when it comes to a meditation practice. Taking a few moments each day to sit in stillness and silence and concentrate on your breathing, is an effective way to reduce a stressed mind and body.
Mental Clarity
Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by your thoughts? Our minds can get extraordinarily cluttered. It can make it challenging to solve simple problems and make important decisions when your mind feels so full. A simple meditative practice, like Candle Gazing, can take your mind off those overwhelming thoughts providing mental clarity.
Improve Mental Health
Establishing a regular meditation practice can also improve your mental health. If common feelings like sadness, anger, or anxiety impact how you function daily, you may need something that will help regain mental and emotional stability. Worry is a common sign of these heavy emotions. Ruminating about the past or anticipating the future influences your ability to stay in the present. A meditative practice, like gentle breathing, listening to calming music, or even taking a stroll in the park provides an opportunity for you to eliminate those worrisome thoughts. As a result, you’ll feel happier and more positive.
Enhance Awareness
Another wonderful benefit of meditation as a method of self-care is that it heightens your awareness. It helps you be more aware of not only your subtle physical and mental feelings but also more aware of others and their sensitivities. This can help you be more empathetic and connected to other people. It also contributes to you being more aligned with how and what you need to do to further take care of yourself. For example, you’ll be more aware of early symptoms of the common cold, triggers that lead to anxiety, and signs of fatigue when you need more rest.
Because It’s Easy & Approachable
No fancy equipment is required to indulge in a healthy meditative practice. All you need is your breath and a quiet space to meditate. You may want a meditation cushion, though, so you can sit comfortably during your practice.
And you certainly do not need to be an expert to approach this beneficial practice. It only takes a few moments each day. There is no need to sit in complete stillness for an hour emptying your brain. This can be quite intimidating. Meditating can be easy and it’s an approachable exercise. Simply taking 30 seconds to 1 minute to close your eyes and focus on some deep breathing is a wonderful way to take advantage of the benefits of meditation. The idea is to take a moment for yourself; to become still, and quiet for a few seconds, and engage in a quick exercise (like deep breathing) to calm and clear your mind. So think about adding meditation to your to-do list; make yourself a priority.