Photo by Demitri Svetsikas
A new study suggests daily meditating for 10 minutes improves concentration and quickens the brain. And there’s more! Meditation reduces stress, lowers anxiety, and enhances sleep quality.
Meditation practices can look different for everybody. It’s important to find routines that work for you and your wellness lifestyle.
Check out these five meditation styles:
Mindfulness
Do you need to be more conscious of how you spend your time? Paying attention, on purpose, and in your present space allows you to be aware of thoughts and feelings in the moment. You can practice by sitting still, or while doing mundane activities such as washing up.
Walking
Are you having a hard time sitting still? Walking connects the body and mind by coordinating breathing with the steps you take. It brings mental awareness to your body rather than the hustle of the day.
Mantra
Are you feeling stressed and struggling to clear your mind? This technique uses repetitive sounds and phrases to calm the mind. It’s proven to reduce the stress hormone cortisol and lower reactive behaviors.
Visual
Do you feel stuck or want to channel good intentions to yourself or others? Visual meditation uses your senses to engage your imagination to keep you focused and remove distractions. It helps to remove mental blocks and stunted creativity.
Zazen
Do you need a break from it all? This meditation style encourages you to simply observe the nature of existence. Simply sit on the floor with your eyes open, gently gazing, unfocused, towards the floor in front of you, and let your Zen find you.
A dose of meditation may be exactly what you need. Have a chat with your primary care doctor to determine what types are right for you to try.
USFHP has also developed incentive programs that give rewards to our members for meeting certain health goals. For help with your plan, visit usfhp.net or call 1-800-241-4848.