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REDUCE STRESS WITH MEDITATION

Wednesday, July 21, 2021

My stress level is really high, and I know that it is affecting my health and well-being. 

As a former mental health counselor, I also know that it is time for me to jump back on the meditation train. Somehow, I let life get in the way of my meditation practice, so I am going to stop each day, or multiple times a day and meditate.

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Stress and Its Symptoms

Stress is the body's reaction to either real or perceived harmful situations. When we feel threatened we go into what is known as "fight or flight" mode. 

Some Physical symptoms of stress:

  • headaches
  • upset stomach
  • aches and pains
  • rapid heartbeat
  • inability to sleep
  • frequent infections 
  • nervousness

Some emotional symptoms of stress:

  • anxiety
  • moodiness
  • feeling overwhelmed
  • loneliness
  • isolation
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Meditation

There are many things you can do to relieve stress, but as a former counselor I found that meditation is one of the best ways. Meditation is simple, can be practiced wherever you are, and is inexpensive. I practice meditation while in the waiting room at the doctor or dentist.

Meditation helps to focus your mind and organize your jumbled thoughts. It can produce feelings of tranquility and peacefulness, which can last throughout your day. 

Meditation benefits you both physically and emotionally. 

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Some Possible Physical Benefits of Meditation:

Some research has suggested that meditation complements traditional medicine in the reduction of symptoms in some illnesses.

  • anxiety
  • asthma
  • cancer
  • chronic pain
  • depression
  • heart disease
  • high blood pressure
  • irritable bowel diease
  • sleep problems
  • tension headaches
Some Possible Emotional Benefits of Meditation:

  • building skills to manage your stress
  • increasing self awareness
  • focusing on the present
  • reducing negative emotions
  • increasing patience and tolerance
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Important Things To Remember

There are no hard and fast rules to meditating. You can choose the type of meditation practice that works best for you. 

I like to set a time of about ten to twenty minute first thing in the morning to start my day. Then throughout the day if I am feeling stressed I will sit quietly and practice deep breathing. 

Some people prefer guided meditations. I like to turn on soft meditation music. 

A comfortable position, a quiet setting, relaxed breathing, and focused attention are all important. Yes, intrusive thoughts will enter your mind. Acknowledge them and then brush them away. 

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Meditation takes practice. Don't judge yourself, because that defeats the purpose. Relax and enjoy your quiet time.


REDUCE STRESS WITH MEDITATION

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Comments

  1. I have all those symptoms and need to meditate more. It is hard to find the time but I am trying to take time out a few times a day to meditate. Happy Wednesday. Have a great day. xoxo

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    Replies
    1. Kris, do some research on EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques).... it is wonderful for stress and anxiety and aches and pains and fibromyalgia. Gary Craig is the "creator" and his website is emofree.com. He has lots of videos there of people using the technique. I've even gone to a certified practitioner when I lived close to Portland, OR and she was wonderful! It's very intense sometimes, but I love that it can be done in a short time, once you learn the techniques. Contact me if you have any questions! Marilyn

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  2. I was into it for awhile and for some reason stopped doing it. So I need to get going again. I know much of my physical pain could probably be helped by meditating. I like to sit in my living room with the sound machine going.
    Brenda

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  3. My stress level is very high as well but I struggle with meditation because I'm not sure exactly how to do it. I'm sure it would help me.

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  4. My sister-in-law meditates. Doing Pilates is my meditation. It takes tons of focus.

    I think everyone has had stress right now

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  5. You are so right! I use EFT for my form of meditation.. it is gentle tapping to certain areas of the body with self talk. It does take concentration, but that is what keeps the intrusive thoughts away. I use it whenever I'm feeling worried or anxious or hurting... I love it too as can be done anywhere, anytime and only takes a few minutes. I swear, after just 2 or 3 minutes, I can feel my body releasing negative energies and a wonderful "relax" response comes over me. I used to have horrible anxiety attacks (that would send me to the hospital!) and through EFT, I have mostly been able to prevent them. I've tried meditation too but for some reason, can't stay concentrated like that for 20 minutes.. but I know it would help immensely too. xoxo Marilyn

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  6. My husband has been meditating for years. He finds it enormously helpful. I've never been able to master it, but I know it would be worth my while to try again.

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  7. I learned how to meditate in my 20s and decades later I'm still a strong proponent of the practice. I find it helps enormously...when I do it! I just bought the Headspace app to keep me on track. I've found it helps since I want to keep my daily streak. So far I'm on day 4!! Haha...wish me luck!!

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