Did you know the practice of mindfulness and meditation has been medically proven to lower stress and anxiety by reducing the levels of the stress hormone cortisol?
In addition, lowering blood pressure and improving self awareness of your own behaviours and how you react or choose to react to situations.
People across the world have found that the powerful practice of meditation and mindfulness has greatly assisted them to be calmer in life, more compassionate to themselves and others, and generally happier and content in life.
Building mindfulness and meditation into your lifestyle to cultivate clarity and calmness can be achieved in so many ways. By starting with mindfulness for example, first identify what works best for you within your lifestyle. if you identify this first you are more likely to maintain the routine.
Mindfulness and meditation is not all about sitting cross legged in stillness, you can be mindful whilst eating for example, observing the textures, shapes and smell and taste of your food. This practice can also assist with lowering overeating by being more mindful of what you eat and consume.
Walking meditation is the practice of mindfully being aware of the steps you take, what you hear, smell and see.
Colouring meditation books require your mind to be present and in the moment, whilst practising patience and stillness. The sense of completion when you see the coloured picture on the page also has positive responses within the body.
Scanning your body, where are you holding tension? What is your posture like? Do you have any pain?
Once you are consciously aware scanning your body from head to toe slowly and mindfully you can be more aware of what you notice.
Take time to stretch, notice the areas that feel tight and be mindful of what may have caused it. Self compassion and taking care of yourself is the core of health and wellbeing and woven through mindfulness and meditation.
Guided meditation is often the starting point for people who are looking to build meditation into their lives.
Guided meditation can be a meditation teacher guiding you through the art of meditation, through breathing techniques, describing a visual journey you see in your mind or even just calming music and soothing words. There are also many options available including through apps or online.
Mindfulness meditation practice is one way to truly experience the current moment and integrate the awareness into your everyday life.
