Meditation is a simple, fast way to reduce stress. It can wipe away the day’s anxieties, bringing with it inner peace. See how you can easily learn to practice meditation whenever you need it most.

If stress has you anxious, tense and worried, consider trying meditation. Spending even a few minutes in meditation can restore your calm and inner peace. Anyone can practice meditation. It’s simple and inexpensive, and it doesn’t require any special equipment. You can practice meditation wherever you are — whether you’re out for a walk, riding the bus, waiting at the doctor’s office or even in the middle of a difficult business meeting. Meditation and emotional well-being When you meditate, you clear away the information overload that builds up every day and contributes to your stress. The emotional benefits of meditation can include:

• Gaining a new perspective on stressful situations
• Building skills to manage your stress
• Increasing self-awareness
• Focusing on the present
• Reducing negative emotions

Meditation and Illness Meditation might also be useful if you have a medical condition, especially one that may be worsened by stress. With that in mind, some research suggests that meditation may help people manage symptoms of conditions such as:

• Anxiety disorders
• Asthma
• Cancer
• Depression
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Pain
• Sleep problems

We hear a lot of people say that they can’t meditate because of this reason or that.  The truth is that there is no prerequisite state of mind or knowledge necessary to engage in meaningful meditation.  There also are no religious or political implications to meditation practice, unless you choose for there to be.  It is simply a tool for allowing your life to process and proceed in a healthier, more peaceful fashion. Much has been written and/or described about techniques, procedures, equipment, phrases, concentration, focus, positions, etc.  It’s no wonder many are intimidated to try.  But, just like anything else you do, you don’t have to be perfect before you start.  In fact, the less you know, the better the experience will likely be.  There is nowhere to go, nothing to do, and no special thing to buy.  You are perfectly equipped with all you need to start meditating right now as you read this. 1. As you read, become aware of your body in whatever position it is in.  Notice points of contact with the chair or floor or whatever is supporting you.  Notice also the sensation of being supported. 2.  Next, become aware of the fact that you are breathing.  Don’t alter or change your breathing unless you want to.  Just notice that you can be aware of your breathing as it is naturally happening. 3.  Just allow everything in this moment to be exactly as it is, without needing anything to be any different.  If there is tension in your body or mind, breathe in and let it go as much as you can as you breathe out, fully aware of the breath as you do so.  Thoughts, emotions, sensations from your body, sounds, images, judgments or any number of things may show up wanting your attention.  Simply notice that you are aware of these things as they come, and allow them to be exactly as they are.  Let go of resistance to the experience you are having and just let all to be just as it is.  You can let your eyes drift closed and simply sit in the awareness of your mind, body, and life, just as it is now in this single moment of your existence.  Sit as long as you are comfortable, then stop when you feel you are done. Congratulations, you have just successfully meditated!  No matter what happened, you were successful.  There is no right or wrong experience to have.  Whatever happened was exactly what should have happened. When else can you say that?  Repeat often and enjoy the benefits! By ProFormance Fitness and their partners Wellness 360