Staying busy has become a cultural norm and for many, it makes “doing nothing” and the silence that accompanies inactivity unsettling and uncomfortable. I for one am guilty and at times struggle to be still just to simply appreciate the moment.
After years of indifference and a touch of skepticism, around a year ago I started opening up to meditation after listening to a few trusted podcasts about the topic and downloaded a guided meditation app. It only took me a few 10-minute introductory sessions for me to figure out I had to make this a habit.
I have now been meditating for 10 months straight, doing it first thing in the morning before breakfast for around 10 to 20 minutes, four times a week. During these months I have noticed I’m becoming more mindful and grateful about the present moment (whether I’m home alone or surrounded by people), reacting more calmly to stressful situations, and getting more comfortable with being in silence without the “wasting time” guilt factor.
Having experienced these changes I also convinced myself about what science says about the benefits of meditation. For example, sitting in silence for just 5 minutes helps make your brain less reactive to stress and boosts attention. In turn, the mere reduction in stress, which is the root cause of many chronic diseases, improves physical health and longevity.
So with that said, I highly suggest you carve out some time from your hectic diaries to introduce yourself to meditation, even with just a few minutes a day, so as to start benefiting from it in the same way I have.
I personally use the Balance: Meditation & Sleep app to guide my meditation sessions but I know other good apps which my friends use such as ‘Headspace’ and ‘Calm’. And if this post somehow inspires you to give it a go, I would be happy to hear about your experience down the line.
To fitness with love,
Andrew
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