HEALTH BENEFITS OF MEDITATION
As fitness professionals, we talk a lot on aspects of physical health and fitness, but mental and emotional health are also important for our wellbeing. In fact, regular mindfulness practice has been linked to improved physical health as well as mental. In today's fast-paced world, finding moments of peace and clarity can be challenging. Enter meditation and mindfulness, powerful practices that have numerous mental, emotional, and physical benefits.
Meditation 101
Meditation is not stopping your thoughts of silencing the mind but is the practice of bringing your attention to the present moment. Mindfulness is a practice characterized by an individual's focused awareness and attention to the present moment, thoughts, emotions, and sensations. Both meditation and mindfulness can be guided or done in silence.
Guided meditation is typically the best way to start a practice. Guided meditations are facilitated by an instructor and assists participants in staying present and engaged in the practice. Guided meditations can include body scans, breathing exercises, and scripted meditations anywhere from 2 minutes to 60 minutes.
Let’s Practice
Practicing mindfulness can be as simple as taking a pause in whatever you are doing and tuning into your breath, body, and thoughts. Try this simple mindfulness practice right now:
Bring your attention to your breath. Are you taking shallow or deep breaths?
Bring your attention to how your body feels. Are you hot or cold? Is your heart breathing slowly or quickly?
Bring your attention to your thoughts without judgment; just notice them. Where is your mind? Whatever you are thinking about, let it be. Then, bring your attention back to the body and breath.
As you can see, meditation and mindfulness do not have to take up a lot of time. Simply taking a step back from whatever you are doing to tune into your mind and body can be a practice of mindfulness.
Adding Meditation & Mindfulness to Your Workout Routine
Research shows that with practice, mindfulness and meditation may increase your feelings of happiness, decrease stress levels, lead to long-term changes in empathy & meta-cognition, and improve your overall physical and mental health and well-being. Studies even suggest that those who regularly practice meditation and mindfulness tend to have a longer lifespan and an improved quality of life. By reducing stress and promoting mental, emotional, and physical well-being, these practices contribute to a happier, healthier life in the long run. So, take a moment and breathe.