NAUTI THOUGHTS: Don't hate, MEDITATE
✧ HAPPY WELLNESS WEDNESDAY ✧
This week we're focusing on mental and spiritual wellness. Life can get crazy and stressful so it is important to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and be mindful and present. One way to do this is through the practice of meditation.
A lot of the time when we think of meditation, we think of Buddhist monks sitting cross-legged and humming for hours on end. But meditation is truly diverse and can be skewed to fit your individual needs and likes.
First, let's talk about why we should meditate. Meditation can be a vital tool in helping reduce stress, improve concentration, promote self-awareness, increase happiness, and decrease anxiety. A recent study done by the American College Health Association found that over 85% of college students feel overwhelmed by the demands of college. One-third of these students said stress has a negative effect on their overall academic performance. Decreasing your stress can have immense positive impacts on your academic and personal life.
Ok now that we're sold on meditation, how do we actually do it?
Meditation is not easy. It takes major willpower to focus on your mind and body and let the distractions of the world fade. This is why it is important to find the right time and place to meditate when you can fully relax. Some recommend meditating before going to bed because you are done with your day and can be alone with your thoughts.
After you find the perfect environment for you, you need to decide how you are going to sit. Meditation really only benefits you if you do it for 15 minutes or more (as it usually takes about 10 minutes for your mind to settle), so you need to pick a position you feel comfortable in. It helps to do a quick stretching exercise before committing to your form. Whether you are sitting on the ground or in a chair or laying on your bed, it is important that you feel comfortable and relaxed.
The next step is to slow down and focus your breath. Mindfully visualize your breath as you breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Stay focused on your breath as you try to disengage from the outside distractions. Sometimes it helps to align your breath with counting numbers.
When your mind strays and other thoughts come into your head, think of them as a wave. Do not ridicule yourself for becoming distracted, but let your thoughts pass over you. Acknowledge that they are there and then let them move on and try to refocus on your breath.
If you are still having struggle focusing and meditating, you might want to look into guided meditations. These meditations are perfect if you are just getting started because you do not have to solely rely on yourself to keep yourself focused. There are so many resources available on guided meditations! You can Google "guided meditation" and a million videos will pop up. My favorite videos come from a Youtuber called BoHo Beautiful. She posts AMAZING guided meditation videos as well as yoga and pilates workout videos.
Whatever you try, it is important that it is tailored to YOU and your needs. Meditation is a time to be selfish and reward your mind and body with time to reset and refocus. You are your universe, you deserve this! Appreciate and love yourself!
Be mindful and LIVE NAUTI
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Madison
Another great post! Thank you, Nauti Body!
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