There are many of the tips that have been provided in this blog series by others and us that in some way or another all seem to relate back to our inner selves and relieving stress.  The reason is that our hectic lives and the stress it can create can cause ill affects on our health and well-being.  Some tips such as simple breathing, practicing yoga and Pilates, drinking plenty of good filtered water, eating whole foods as well as supplementing nutrition and getting a good night’s sleep all contribute to provide a better, healthier you.

The outside world seems to be getting busier and we’re working harder to keep up.  It is extremely important to learn how to be centered and grounded and to be in touch with our inner selves in order to become more calm and relaxed.  Believe it or not, it doesn’t require a lot of time and almost no effort (well at least physically that is) and we can practice it almost anywhere especially once we get good at it.  By practicing meditation on a regular basis we become calmer throughout the day and as a result we sleep better at night.  This can have a profound positive effect on how we react to people and situations that would normally cause us stress.

Meditation need not take more than 10 – 15 minutes each day.  It’s usually best to practice meditation when you first wake up in order to start the day off right.  Also, if we practiced at night, we may tend to drift off to sleep which is not really meditating.

Here are some tips to help you get started:

1.      Designate a space in your home that is quiet and comfortable (when you become a pro at meditation, it’ll be easy to practice even in a noisy train station!).

2.      Find a position that is comfortable such as sitting on a pillow with your back supported by a wall or couch.

3.      In the beginning, you may find it helpful to purchase or download some guided meditations to get you started. These are extremely helpful and highly recommended in the beginning to help keep you focused.  In addition you can choose ones that are appropriate for the time frame you want (i.e. 5, 10 or 20 minutes).  There are plenty from which to choose online, here’s a site to get you started.

If you’d like to start right now without the help of a guided meditation, sit quiet and still and empty your mind.  This is much more difficult than one would think.  It may be helpful to just focus your attention on your breathing. Notice how you’re abdomen rises and your chest expands as you breathe in. Then notice how it deflates as you exhale. Just repeat this simple exercise for at least 5 – 10 minutes.  If this doesn’t work for you, try a simple “Om” chant (Om is the sanskrit mantra representing God as the cosmic vibration inherent throughout creation).  Take a deep breath in and as you exhale, quietly chant the word “Om” for the entire exhalation and repeat this for 5 – 10 minutes.

Remember that it is completely normal for your mind to wander.  The mind likes to chatter and so it takes much skill and practice to calm it.  Even if you can only meditate for a few minutes to begin with, you will still see a positive difference in yourself almost immediately.  It’s important to practice often, daily is best.  Once you are able to make a habit of it, you will notice a difference on the days when you don’t meditate (the old you returning!).  Good luck and please feel free to share your experiences with all of us.

Want to read more?

Day 1: Motivation
Day 2: Just Breathe
Day 3: Back to Basics with Your Health
Day 4: Giving is Receiving
Day 5: Planning One Day at a Time
Day 6: Just A Spoonful of Sugar
Day 7: Positive Thoughts, Positive Outcomes
Day 8: Filter That Water
Day 9: Yoga At Your Computer
Day 10: Look Your Best, Feel Your Best, Be Your Best
Day 11: Be Alert and Stay Safe
Day 12: Giving Back To The Community Starts At Home
Day 13: Reach For That Pomegranate
Day 14: Breathing and Posture
Day 15:  Detox Your Finances
Day 16: Take Time For Entertainment
Day 17: Detox Your Skin
Day 18: Laugh It Up
Day 19: Live In The Moment
Day 20: Mind Your Chin
Day 21: De-clutter Your Life
Day 22: Detox Your Social Circle
Day 23: Blowing The Budget
Day 24: Balancing Work And Family
Day 25: Merry Christmas!