How to Meditate Properly

In the hustle and bustle society of our modern age, there is an abundance of stress buildup that is translating into significant mental health problems for a large

Some Staggering Mental Health Statistics in America

• Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the United States (18.5%) experience mental illness in a given year.
• Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-34 in the United States.
• In 2020, drug overdose deaths increased by 30% in the United States, likely due to the stress and isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects around 7-8% of the U.S. population.

While meditation alone isn’t guaranteed to fix all of the mental health problems our society is facing, it provides a great way to reset, to increase mindfulness, and to improve your breathing. The benefits of meditation will flow into the various facets that comprise your overall happiness and sense of fulfillment.

Meditation is a practice that has been around for thousands of years and is known to bring about a sense of calmness and tranquility in the mind and body. It is a technique that involves focusing your attention on a particular object, thought, or activity to achieve a heightened state of awareness and mindfulness. The practice has gained popularity in recent years due to its numerous health benefits, which we will discuss in detail later in this article.

Before we delve into the benefits of meditation, let’s first discuss how to meditate properly. Here are some simple steps to get started with your meditation practice:

1. Find a quiet and comfortable place to meditate. It could be a room in your house or a peaceful outdoor space.
2. Sit comfortably with your spine straight and your eyes closed. You can sit on a chair, a cushion, or a mat, whichever is most comfortable for you.
3. Focus your attention on your breath. Observe the natural flow of your breath as you inhale and exhale. You can count your breaths or repeat a mantra to help you focus.
4. Allow your thoughts to come and go without judgment. When you notice your mind wandering, gently bring your attention back to your breath.
5. Start with a few minutes of meditation each day and gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable with the practice.

Using Music and Sound to Improve Your Meditation

There are certain types of music that can improve meditation. Music can help create a peaceful and calming atmosphere, which can be especially helpful for those who are new to meditation or struggle with distractions during their practice.

Here are some types of music that are commonly used in meditation:

1. Instrumental Music: Music without lyrics or vocals can be especially helpful for meditation, as it can help create a relaxing environment without distracting the mind. Instrumental music can include classical music, nature sounds, and ambient music.
2. Binaural Beats: Binaural beats are a type of sound wave therapy that involves listening to two different frequencies through each ear to create a third frequency in the brain. This can help induce a state of relaxation and focus, which can be helpful for meditation.
3. Mantras: Chanting mantras or repeating affirmations can also be a helpful form of meditation music. Mantras can help focus the mind and create a sense of peace and calm.
4. Guided Meditations: Some meditation practices use guided meditations, which involve a teacher or instructor leading you through a meditation practice while incorporating calming music or sounds.

When choosing music for meditation, it’s important to choose something that is calming and soothing to your own personal taste. Experiment with different types of music and find what works best for you. Remember, the goal of meditation is to quiet the mind and focus your attention, so choose music that helps facilitate that process.

Health Benefits of Proper Meditation

Now that you know how to meditate properly, let’s explore some of the health benefits of meditation.

Meditation is generally considered a healthy practice for both the mind and body. There is a growing body of scientific research that supports the many health benefits of meditation.

Meditation has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, which can have a positive impact on overall mental health. It can also improve focus, concentration, and cognitive function, making it a useful tool for enhancing productivity and creativity. Additionally, meditation has been shown to improve sleep quality, boost the immune system, and lower blood pressure, which can have a positive impact on physical health.

Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Meditation has been shown to be an effective tool in reducing stress and anxiety. When you meditate, you activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for calming your body and mind. This can help you feel more relaxed and less anxious.

Improves Sleep

Meditation can also improve the quality of your sleep. By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, it can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. This can lead to better overall health and well-being.

Enhances Emotional Health

Meditation can help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions, which can lead to greater emotional stability and well-being. It can also help you develop a more positive outlook on life and improve your overall mood.

Boosts Immune System

Meditation has been shown to boost the immune system by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. This can help your body fight off illness and disease more effectively.

Improves Focus and Concentration

Meditation can also improve your focus and concentration. By training your mind to focus on one thing at a time, you can become more productive and efficient in your daily life.

Lowers Blood Pressure

Meditation has been shown to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. This can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Enhances Self-Awareness

Meditation can help you become more self-aware by allowing you to observe your thoughts and emotions without judgment. This can help you understand your own motivations and behaviors, which can lead to greater personal growth and development.

Meditation is a powerful tool for improving your overall health and well-being. By reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and enhancing emotional health, it can help you live a happier and more fulfilling life. So why not give it a try? Start with a few minutes of meditation each day and see how it can transform your life for the better.

Guided Meditation

The video below is a good guide for helping you get started with meditation. As you gain experience with meditation, you will not always need someone to guide you through a meditation session, but even for those who are seasoned in meditating properly, it can be useful from time to time to follow along with a session like this.

Hopefully you found this information helpful. Good luck with your meditation goals. Developing this habit should bring more peace into your life and improve your mental health.