ADHD Toronto

By April Meyers

Imagine sitting still in a quiet room. There are no distractions — no kids or pets or noises, simply you and your breath. Meditation has the power to transform your daily experience into a more mindful and positive one. If you would like to give this calming practice a try to soothe pandemic stress, here’s what you need to know first.

Any Clean and Calm Space Will Work

When you think of meditation, you may picture those elaborate meditation spaces you see on social media. Simple is best when it comes to getting started with a home meditation practice. You need an area where you can sit in stillness without being interrupted.

To create this space, start by clearing out clutter and any other sources of negative energy. Mess tends to amplify stress and can even cause arguments and tensions to flare up in your household. Cleaning and letting in some fresh air can also help.

It Only Takes a Few Minutes to Meditate

Maybe space isn’t the issue — perhaps you feel like you’re just far too busy for meditation practice. However, you only need a few moments of quiet to meditate. Many people find it’s easier to meditate first thing in the morning before the hustle and bustle of the day begins. Try introducing a short 5-minute meditation into your morning routine, and then you can grow it from there.

Meditation and Yoga Go Hand and Hand

What if you have a hard time sitting still for those 5 minutes? Well, this is why seasoned wellness experts and yogis will tell you to practice yoga and meditation. Meditation is regarded as the foundation of any dedicated yoga practice.

The physical poses are there to help you tune into your breath and prepare your body for stillness. You’re burning off some of that nervous energy that can lead to wandering thoughts. Plainly as with meditation, you only need about five minutes to make yoga a daily habit.

Meditation Is Good for Body and Mind

If you’ve tried meditation, you understand that much of what is happening is happening in your mind. Meditating is a practice where you turn your attention inward and train your mind to focus on your breath and let thoughts and emotions float by. The only role your body plays is to remain calm and still.

It makes sense that meditation has mental health benefits. Those moments of mindfulness can be just as good for your body. There are at least 100 known benefits of regular meditation practice, including a stronger heart and lower blood pressure.

Other Self-Care Habits Can Also Help

Meditation can certainly help you deal with stress and stay healthy. If you want to maximize these benefits, meditation should be part of a broader self-care routine and include regular physical activity for your entire family.

Even as pandemic restrictions have lifted in most areas, you may feel more comfortable sticking closer to home. That’s okay! Your family can make regular exercise a habit with online fitness and yoga classes. There are even classes just for kids.

In a world that is so uncertain and full of stress, we could all use more calm and benefit from meditation practice. You can try simply sitting in silence for a few minutes or add a short meditation to an existing yoga practice. Just know that meditation doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming to work miracles in your life.