The fast paced nature of modern life can often lead to stress and burnout. When faced with tight deadlines or an endless to-do list, it’s easy to feel pressure and stress. If not managed properly, this stress can progress and have a significant impact on the body and mind.
Learning to manage that stress is essential for ensuring optimal health for the body and mind. One of the most powerful and accessible ways to manage stress is meditation. This ancient practice, originating in the East, has grown its popularity here in the West due to its effectiveness in promoting mind and body integration to enhance overall wellbeing. Some forms of meditation include mindfulness or focusing on a particular sense, such as the breath, sound, or a mantra (a repeated word or phrase). But how exactly does this practice help manage stress?
Many meditation techniques involve connecting with your deep inner Self, which is the core of your being. By doing so, the inner faculty, also known as the working consciousness, is activated, which in turn activates your body. This creates a feedback loop that promotes inner peace and balance, helping to remove the accumulated stress of life and improve overall wellbeing.
Furthermore, in a study where first time meditators participated in an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction program, researchers discovered a reduction in the size of the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for fight-or-flight response, and responsible for feelings of anxiety, fear, and stress. This shrinkage was correlated with a decrease in stress levels, demonstrating that meditation can be a highly effective tool for managing stress.
Just like the participants in the study, you can reduce your stress and better manage your responsibilities by practicing meditation every day. Give it a try and you’ll experience the positive effect on your mind and body. If you’re interested in starting your meditation journey, take a look at this meditation technique for beginners here.
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