#7 of my 13 tips for a healthy you
Everyone knows there is power in the now, but it’s often hard to train yourself to slow down, relax and recognize that “now” has arrived. One of the best ways to train your mind to put on the brakes is meditation. Meditation is known to be a powerful tool to make you happier and healthier. Its many benefits include stress reduction, better sleep, greater self-confidence and conquering illnesses. Many famous and noteworthy individuals, like Steve Jobs, have claimed that meditation was instrumental in bringing about greater clarity and creativity.
Like all your healthy living goals, meditation may require baby steps. Start small and work your way up to more extended periods of time. Use guided meditations if you need assistance in training your mind to focus and relax. Find a special place in your home where it’s quiet. And if you can find no other time in the day to fit it in, get up 15 minutes earlier and meditate first thing in the morning. Even if you have trouble quieting your mind, you will never learn if you don’t start somewhere.
Like exercise and eating well, it takes time for meditation to become a habit. But once it’s a habit, you won’t be able to live without it.
Find a time now that works best for you.
Challenge #7: If you’re a beginner, start small by setting aside 5 minutes/day, at least 3 times/week to meditate. Regardless of your experience level, if your mind has a tendency to wander when given solitude, find someone who can help guide your meditation, like Deepak Chopra.
Don’t give up. Keep at it until you realize how much it can save the day.
Illustration by Luke Neely.
