We’re continuing on with our exploration of things in life that boost energy. Today’s topic is meditation. While meditation has more than one purpose, it’s possible to focus attention on feeling energized. Brief sample meditations are sprinkled throughout.
Personally, I’m guilty as sin for not meditating on a regular basis. Does sitting in bed quietly every morning, ticking off a list of things to do and why they’re important count?
My monkey mind is too much fun to ignore. But I admit finding time to take a deep breath and focus on my inner voice puts me in a better emotional space.
Meditation Reduces Fatigue
Meditation helps lower cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. Even short sessions of meditation can reduce stress, which helps us feel more energized.
Here’s a two-minute guided meditation from The Mindful Movement. Find a quiet and comfortable place to sit. Block distractions by closing your door and putting your phone on silent.
When the guide Sara Raymond says to pay attention to your breath, here’s what she means: notice how your inhalation feels at your nostrils. Notice how your inhalation feels inside your body, how your stomach rises. Notice how your exhalation feels, as your stomach relaxes and subsides. You may notice that your in breath feels cooler while your out breath feels warmer. Is there a scent in the air? Just notice without judgment.
As the meditation concludes, notice how your body feels. Notice whether your thoughts have slowed down or come into clearer focus.
If your goal is to feel energized, try a citrus scented wax melt, candle, or essential oil to breathe in while you’re meditating. You can also try this while soaking in a warm bath.
Meditation Improves Mental Clarity
A meditation practice trains the brain to concentrate better and declutter mental chitchat. This leads to improved cognitive function and regular practice leads to sustained sense of energy throughout the day.
Sounds good, right?
Here’s a three-minute guided meditation for mental clarity on Insight Timer.
Harvard scientists conducted a study showing promise that meditation may alter genes that regulate inflammation, circadian rhythms and glucose metabolism.
Meditation Regulates Sleep Patterns
By relaxing the mind and body, bedtime meditation improves sleep quality, which leads to restful and restorative sleep.
If you’ve ever wondered what the body does while you’re asleep, this article on Healthline provides a number of theories. I find it amusing that scientists had to conduct formal studies to figure out what we already know when we wake feeling refreshed. We sleep to get that feeling!
Try this ten-minute guided meditation at bedtime from My Peace of Mindfulness.
Conclusion:
Meditation has numerous health benefits that lead to better clarity, reduced inflammation, and deep, restful sleep.
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What meditation goal do you like best? Leave a comment.
Did you miss the 4th Energy Booster: Gratitude. Click here to read it.
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