Think about your day to day. Where do you focus your energy? Perhaps it’s on your lengthy to-do list for work, the pile of laundry that’s in serious need of folding, that appointment you have to make time for, or your kids who need help eating, bathing, and playing.
While spending all of that time “doing” definitely helps your productivity, how often do you actually check in with yourself and how you’re feeling throughout your day? We’re not talking, Am I hungry right now? (the answer is probably yes). But rather, truly tuning into your body to assess your own emotional needs and well-being.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, stress levels are higher than ever in the U.S. Think about it: In the past year, how many times have you looked for a way to calm anxious thoughts, sleep more peacefully, and feel genuinely happier? All of that is possible with meditation.
“Meditation is the practice of intentionally awakening to our thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations in the mental space of observance and acceptance,” says psychotherapist Andrea Parsons, M.S.W., L.C.S.W. “Meditation asks us to be the observer of our thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations rather than the critic of them.”
If your go-to methods of stress relief feel a bit out of reach—like taking a tropical vacation, visiting a loved one you’re far from, or regularly seeing a therapist in person—meditation allows you to bring your mind and body into a state of balance right in your own home, resulting in some pretty notable benefits, from feeling more at peace to experiencing better focus to snoozing much more soundly.
So if you’ve always been curious about meditation but couldn’t get into the swing of it, now has never been a better time to start. We get it: The practice can feel intimidating, but you’ll find comfort in knowing that there really is no wrong way to do it. A meditation practice can involve aiming to be more present in each moment, wandering through nature while paying attention to your thoughts, or working up to a 20-minute session each day. There are so many simple and fun ways to start meditating, like practicing breathwork, using mantras, and even doing yoga—so you’re sure to find something that works for your lifestyle.
Are you ready to get started meditating?
Commit to your personal well-being with The 14-Day Meditation Challenge. This easy-to-follow guide was developed with top experts, to help you learn what works best for your life. Unlock access to this 29-page download by joining Prevention Premium, our new membership club. During the two-week challenge, you’ll practice:
- Setting an intention
- Eating mindfully
- Practicing gratitude
- Doing a body-scan
- Reciting a mantra
And so much more, all exclusive to Prevention Premium members.
