Stress affects us all. It can be tied to a demanding job, family or financial problems or any other factor that depletes us in our daily lives. It is not surprising, therefore, that in the face of so many concerns, the time to take care of ourselves physically and mentally is relegated to oblivion. The Canadian Mental Health Association recommends meditation to effectively combat stress. Fortunately, there are simple meditation techniques that can be accomplished at any time of the day to channel your thoughts and manage your concerns [i]. The meditation evokes images of sitting posture, legs crossed on the floor, and songs. In reality, you can easily do it anywhere and the results will put in perspective any kind of stress.
Take a moment to become aware of your thoughts
The main idea in the majority of types of meditation is awareness, being anchored in the present by paying attention to thoughts and feelings and accepting them, regardless of their nature. Studies in Norway and Australia have shown that non-directive meditation, a form of awareness where participants focus their attention on their breathing while recognizing all thought that crosses their minds, was the most beneficial in terms of Stress reduction [ii]. Awareness is incredibly useful when undertaking long-term projects or new habits. For example, it's easy to start a weight loss journey and worry automatically about the long way to go. Take a few moments during the day to re-evaluate your goals and see them as small steps rather than a big hurdle. It is a very effective technique of awareness that reduces pressure and stress. The more you practice awareness, the more this way of thinking becomes a habit, which is extremely beneficial in all the other stressful areas of everyday life.
Log out of technology
It is essential to disconnect from technology to practice awareness and other forms of meditation. If you still have your phone or laptop on hand, try to separate it for 15 minutes at the beginning and increase up to one hour a day. The absence of a screen may seem painful, but it will allow you to be completely present in your mind. Instead of fighting unpleasant thoughts about being disconnected, become aware of them and let them go. Time spent without technology will allow you to focus your attention on your thoughts without distraction and better recognize the physical needs of your body at that time.
Find a method tailored to your needs
It is important to review how you perceive meditation when trying to find a technique that will become a habit for you. For many people, physical activity is a form of awareness. The feeling of being tied to your body is accentuated when the latter moves deliberately. Yoga and tai chi are deeply related to meditation because they emphasize deep breathing and body awareness techniques over postures. For others, activities such as art, gardening, knitting or prayer have the same general effect as intentional meditation. No matter what type of meditation you choose, it is important to turn it into a pleasant experience that you will anticipate with joy. In this way,
[I] http : //www.cmha.ca/en/mental_ health / stress-facts / #. WGU0oVXhDRY
[ii] Http://www.ctvnews.ca/health/nondirective-meditation-is-most-effective-according-to-neuroscientists-1.1824701 ( English only )