8 Weeks to Better Living: Exercise + Meditation

8 Weeks to Better Living: Exercise + Meditation

A few years ago, I had a chance encounter with meditation. That vacation meditation experience quickly turned into a daily practice that has truly enhanced my life. 

I know what you’re probably thinking, I’m too busy for this. Who has time to sit around in the lotus position for hours on end chanting?  The good news is that meditation doesn’t have to take up more than a few minutes of your day and most anyone can find a practice that works for them.  I started by listening to rainforest sounds and focusing on my breathing.  That’s it! 

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Here are my top five reasons why meditation is so beneficial and why you should consider adding it to your life.

1. Stress reduction

Stress takes a tremendous toll on us and our overall health. It contributes to or exacerbates nearly every single illness, disease or painful condition the body endures. Studies show that meditation can be a powerful piece in reducing stress and improving health and wellness.

2. Physical benefits

Meditation enhances the immune system and reduces viral activity in your body. It can actually help lower your cholesterol, your blood pressure and bring the endocrine system into harmony.

3. Mental focus

Meditation helps to increase concentration and memory. Bringing focus and relaxation to your mind, helping you to think more clearly as well as retaining information more efficiently.  This is the main reason I have come to love meditating so much.  I find that my thoughts are clearer and my problem solving ability in enhanced.  I sometimes ask myself a question at the beginning of my practice and just wait for the solution to come.

4. Emotional  restoration

Meditation helps reduce depression and anxiety. Learning ways to relax and soothe ourselves empowers us to re-gain control during difficult times.

5. Spiritually

Meditation helps you connect with your inner self, your higher power as some like to call it. It isn't about religion or what your beliefs are. It IS about connecting with the energy that brings you peace and restoration.

You will likely see improvements in your life with as little as five minutes of meditation a day. I have found it can be addictive and look forward to the 15 to 30 minutes that I spend daily.  It’s easy to learn and free.  A Web search will yield lots of resources on different meditation practices; with a little research you can find one that is right for you.  For more information on meditation resources visit CanditaClaytonLiveBetter.com.

Candita Clayton is the founder of Your Life Organized and author of Clean Your Home Healthy. Visit her online, here.

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