Meditate for Your Health

You can start improving your health now by simply sitting and meditating for a few minutes each day. All the studies that have been published showing the benefits of meditation, are increasing peoples curiosity about how it can improve their health. Many of the benefits that come from meditating have to do with the reduction in your stress levels.

In yoga therapy we believe that stress is the root of all disease. When we're stressed out, our bodies shut down unessential systems of the body in order to make us more efficient for flight or fight. When we're under constant stress our bodies aren't running efficiently, it's like only part of the machine is working. This eventually leads to health issues such as poor digestion, IBS and other ills that a majority of our population suffers from. Eventually these weakened systems become vulnerable to more serious diseases such as cancer. But is meditation really the answer to all our woes?

According to the studies being done, yes. Since stress is the root of our medical and emotional issues, doesn't it make sense that reducing it would start us down a healthier path? Meditation is very simple, it's just sitting and breathing...but to some that's a difficult thing to do. We live in a world of technology, a world where we're constantly going and doing. Even when we sit down with our families for dinner or to watch show, we're not just focusing on one thing, but checking our email, texting or surfing the web. We no longer focus our minds on one thing, but many. This leaves us on edge and doesn't give our minds the much needed down time to reboot.

Trying to meditate for the first time is a challenge. When I first tried it I hated it. I couldn't get my mind to let go of all the thoughts swarming around. I'd open my eyes constantly checking the clock to see if my five minutes were up. When my time was finally up I swear I felt more agitated then when I started. Over the years I've learned a few meditation techniques that have helped me start a regular meditation practice. These are so simple you could do them on your lunch break at work or when you've got just a few minutes in-between tasks.

1. Walking meditation: In order to meditate we have to train our brains to relax. Just making yourself sit isn't going to be easy, so you can start off with a walking meditation. Find a place that you can walk uninterrupted. As you walk focus on each step you take or your breath. Each time your mind wanders, bring it back to the breath or the stepping of your feet. Focus on the sensations your feet feel, the noise your they make as they hit the ground or the feeling of the wind on your face. Find a way to connect with the nature around you.

2. Breathing meditation: Deep breathing engages your parasympathetic system. The job of this system is to calm the body. A calm body is a healthy body. Find a comfortable sitting position and place your hands on the sides of your ribcage. Closing your eyes take a deep inhale and feel your ribcage expand. On the exhale feel it contract. Continue this breathing pattern focusing solely on the movement of the breath in the ribcage. Imagine the breath like a calming wave moving up and down the body.

3. Counting meditation: Take a deep inhale and on the exhale count to one. Continue till you get to 10. If you lose track of which number you're on, start back at one. To make it more challenging, aim for a higher number or if you get to 10, start counting back down to one. Try not to get irritated if you can't make it to ten. That's just a sign that your brain really needs meditation. All the multi-tasking you've been doing has left your brain scattered and unable to focus on one task.

One thing you'll notice about these meditations, is they allow something for the mind to focus on. As you practice more, you'll need less distraction for the mind and you'll be able to sit and meditate longer. Over time you'll begin to notice the impact your meditation has on your life. You'll be more focused, less agitated and sleep better. Three things in life lead to good health; sleep, exercise and good food. If you're not getting enough sleep, you'll be too tired to exercise and will probably make poor food choices. Are you beginning to see how meditating can have such a profound affect on your life?

The key is the find the right fit for you. Perhaps you'll incorporate all three techniques depending on how you feel that day. Try to set an intention to practice every day for a week and keep a journal. Notice how your practice is affecting you and any changes you notice by the end of the week. Happy meditating!