2020 was truly a stressful and anxiety-filled year, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic that brought about personal, professional, economic, and medical challenges. Community transmission of the virus is still ongoing, and there’s no clear end in sight.
As people adjust to the “new normal” by wearing masks, using sanitizers, and following social distancing rules, the overall stress and anxiety levels have also increased. That’s why practicing meditation has become even more crucial right now.
Meditation is one of the best ways to relieve stress and has been used for centuries in various wellness and spiritual practices. According to Brian C. Jensen, incorporating meditation into your daily routine can help manage stress more effectively. With the increasing emotional stress many are experiencing, meditation serves as a quick-fix stress reliever.
Meditation works by counteracting the body’s stress response, helping to relax the mind and body. It can also lead to healthier eating habits and even aid in weight loss. To meditate, you usually sit in a relaxed position and try to clear your mind, focusing on a single thought or idea.
Many holistic healers and life coaches recommend using specific sounds during meditation. For example, chanting “OM” is a popular and effective practice. While meditating, your mind learns to observe thoughts that arise without reacting to them. Over time, this makes it easier to choose positive thoughts over stressful ones.
During the pandemic, starting a meditation practice can help you shift from anxious feelings to more positive ones. You’ll be less focused on the alarming news and more on ways to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Strengthening your immune system is more vital than ever, and meditation can positively impact it. To get started, set aside 20 minutes each day for undisturbed meditation sessions. While meditation can last for various lengths of time, beginning with 15 to 20 minutes is a good habit.
Create a dedicated meditation space in your room. Lighting a candle and gazing at its flame while focusing on your breath is a great way to start. Gradually, you can close your eyes and enter a deeper meditative state. Keeping a journal after your meditation sessions can also be beneficial.
Relaxing both your body and mind is essential, especially now when pandemic-related stress is high. Meditation can help you feel more calm and relaxed, making it a valuable practice to incorporate into your daily life.