Meditation / Perhaps you've vowed to get around to it when you’re less busy, maybe next week, the week after or when the kids graduate from college in 20 years. But really the best time to start meditating (or re-start maybe) is NOW.
Here at SbtS we love doing our research and gaining insights where science meets magic! There is now research that proves that meditation is not just a stress reliever but is also kind to your heart, your body and mind.
Here are 5 reasons why YOU should start a daily meditation practice today! No more ifs or buts allowed!
1 (And so importantly) YOU CAN DO IT ANYWHERE
Feel free to meditate sitting, or even while standing, walking (a moving meditation) or lying down. Just close your eyes and focus on your sweet breathing.
2 IT DOESN’T HAVE TO TAKE UP MUCH TIME.
It's all about being creative with your time, commit to a practice that fits into the small windows of time that YOU have. As your practice grows (AND IT WILL) you can then carve out more time when you feel ready. But to begin with start small..
Lose 5-10 minutes of social mediaand replace with 5-10 minutes of meditation at some point today.
- IT PROMOTES A HEALTHY HEART
When you’re having a stressful day, stress hormones are released ie cortisol, norepinephrine and adrenaline . These hormones are a massive cause of an increased heart rate, blood pressure and the “fight-or-flight” response. The beauty of meditation is, it activates our bodies’ “rest-and-digest” functions, which totally counteracts our “flight-or-fight” response. When you integrate meditation into a daily routine it has been linked to lower heart rates and blood pressure, which may lower your risk of heart disease. You had me at he..heart!
- IT PROMOTES A HEALTHY BODY
When we’re feeling overwhelmed,anything our body deems less important is moved aside and the energy is diverted elsewhere. Unfortunately though, our bodies seem to think many necessary functions are so expendable, such as; our digestion, reproduction, growth and immune systems. All pretty major in maintaining a healthy homeostasis within our hearts, body and minds (balance)
All pretty major in maintaining a healthy homeostasis within our hearts, body and minds (balance). Meditation taps into the parasympathetic nervous system and calms the implusive reactions. By practicing regularly, we can soothe our nervous system and help it to run as it should, rather than operate in a reflexive, stress-induced shutdown mode. Some physical health benefits of meditation include:
decreased inflammation, Increased immunity, improved respiratory system, improved digestives system with reduced gastro issues and improved musculoskeletal system with ease of symptoms of arthritis, improved reproductive system as linked to more positive effects on fertility.. the list goes on.
- IT PROMOTES A HEALTHY MIND
This stuff really blows our minds (in a good way) Two regions of the brain tend to play a special role in our mental health: the amygdala and the default mode network. The amygdala is the region of the brain that regulates concentration, memory and emotions, such as fear, anger and sadness. Who else is thinking of HOME the animation right now (I'm such a Mum, right)? Although “feelings” aren’t inherently bad, they can sometimes go awry.
The other region, the default mode network, is the part of your brain that’s to blame for daydreaming (wow that's me Aisling, a massive daydreamer). Although daydreaming may seem fun it can be careless, when left untrained, our imagining minds may give rise to worry, insomnia or other stress too
When we establish a daily meditation practice we can decrease activity in these two regions of the brain, consequently calming our minds, thoughts and emotions. As a result life is lived on a slower pace and you may experience a sounder sleep, less anxiety (if you have it) and a more positive take on life. Wow how awesome. We are off to meditate this very minute.
Aisling x
(Image above is the wonderful @alignwithbella from IG on an SbtS Eco Mat with her handsome pup)
