When meditating you use techniques that boost a heightened state of awareness and focused attention. It is a great tool for the average joe and for more advanced users.
About a year ago I was put onto meditation by my psychologist. At the start I found it very difficult to get into and went through multiple mediation apps such as Insight Timer and Smiling Minds. They were good but wasn’t really what I was looking for, they were more self-directed and harder to follow. About 4 months ago, I found the Headspace app and have loved using it. I started doing the basic course that was provided and have gone through to the advanced levels now. I would definitely recommend using Headspace as it is very easy to follow and use.
My psychologist explained to me that meditation has many benefits to improve your mental health which include:
- Increased Awareness
- Better Clarity
- More Compassion
- A sense of calm
- Reduces stress
- Reduction of depression and anxiety
After meditating for an increased period of time I have felt my brain fog lift and my mind feels clearer with a reduced amount of thought racing through my mind. I am more alert with what is happening around me as well as feeling grounded. When I go a few days without meditating I can feel my old, twisted mind return.
For meditation to work for you I would recommend:
- Having an open mind to the practice
- Be kind to yourself! It takes practice to make perfect just like any other skill.
- Find consistency, a daily meditation time and continuous weeks of practice to see the best results.
- Start with the basics before moving to advanced meditation skills.
The Headspace app offers a 10-day beginner’s course on the essentials of meditation and mindfulness — available for free — which is an ideal way to start creating a daily practice that will set you on the path for a happy, healthy life.
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