Staying present in each moment has become increasingly difficult in our fast paced modern lives, but slowing down is an integral part of living a happier existence. It is possible to make a shift in your consciousness with daily doses of mindfulness meditation, and soon focusing on the present moment will become your second nature.
Meditation has been used for centuries to quiet the mind, relax, and slow down. Everyone from ages 1-101 can benefit from a meditation practice. Meditation has been scientifically proven to rewire our neural pathways, improve memory, protect our brain as it ages, treat anxiety and depression, and quiet an overactive “monkey-mind”. It can be done anytime, anywhere, and is an effective way to de-stress and calm the entire body.
If you’ve never meditated before, it can be as simple as intentionally focusing on your inhales and exhales, and deepening and lengthening them as you go along.
Other types of meditation include mindfulness meditation, spiritual meditation, movement meditation, mantra meditation, transcendental meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, loving-kindness meditation and visualization meditation.
There really is no wrong way to meditate, so explore your options and find what works best for you. Oftentimes it’s suggested you meditate for 20 minutes twice a day, once in the morning to start your day with calm and intention, and at night before bed to wind down and sleep.
Healthy with Chelsea 