Regular meditation for health and wellbeing is proven to be an effective method for reducing stress and providing relief from many health issues including:
- Anxiety
- Worry
- Anger
- Headache
- Muscular aches & pains
- Hormone problems
- Fibromyalgia
- and many more
Regular meditation will put your mind and body at ease – therefore reducing the effects of any dis-ease, which results in greater happiness and wellbeing. No wonder meditation is so popular across the world right now.
The following tips will help you get well on the way to creating your own effective meditation practice for health & wellbeing.
#1 Create a Sacred Space
You will be more likely to meditate regularly and enjoy your meditation practice if you create a sacred space in your house away from disturbance. This can be as simple as a candle on a bedside table.
#2 Meditation Candle
A candle can really help to calm the mind quickly, and should be part of any indoor meditation practice. The mesmerising glow of the flame gently flickering helps to calm the mind instantly, especially useful if you have a busy mind and wish to calm the mind and relax as quickly as you can.
#3 Avoid Food
It’s best not to eat food less than one hour before your meditation. The reason is that your stomach will be busy after eating, which will prevent you from relaxing fully into your meditation.
#4 Happy Feet
If possible its’ always best to remove your shoes for meditation. When your toes are free to relax, your body will relax so much better too. If necessary to keep your feet warm, put on some extra-warm socks.
#5 Say No to Technology
Silence your mobile phone and be sure that it’s nowhere nearby. If possible, be sure that there is no television or computer nearby either. If you must have a computer or television nearby, place a blanket or cloth over the screen to cover it completely. As the subtle energy from these devices may disrupt your thoughts and prevent you from relaxing fully into your meditation.
#6 Drink Enough Water
Always look after your body by drinking enough water throughout the day. Take a glass of warm water (body temperature or slightly higher) with you to enjoy on completion of your meditation.
According to Chinese medicine, when drinking water any time during the day, it’s best to ensure that the temperature of your drinking water is no less than body temperature (37 degrees Celsius) as this is always best for your immune system by keeping your body’s “Chi” energy stable. It is believed in Chinese medicine that drinking cold water will lower your body’s “Chi” energy.
#7 Soothing Music
Some people prefer to meditate with soothing background instrumental music or nature sounds in the background. This can be healing music, calming oceean waves or any kind of soothing instrumental music that helps to fully relax. Background music or sounds can be especially helpful to your meditation if you have a busy mind and wish to relax quickly.
#8 Stay Warm
Ensure that you are wearing comfortable clothing and if the season is cool, that you have adequate warmth. Your body temperature will drop slightly during meditation, just as it does during sleep.
Some people like to wear a meditation poncho. If you don’t have a meditation poncho you can cover up with a soft blanket, at least covering your legs with the blanket. This will give you a sense of safety and luxury, and an added sense of relaxation while keeping you warm.
#9 Correct Posture
Before you commence your meditation be sure that you are sitting up straight with shoulders back. You can sit on a chair if you wish, on a cushion on the floor, on a yoga mat, or outdoors in nature where ever you feel comfortable and at ease.
#10 Breathe Slowly
Be sure to breath slowly, gently and naturally. Meditation is NOT a time for deep breathing. Deep breathing is equivalent to hyper-ventilating and will only make you feel light-headed if continued for more than three or four breaths. You should breath slowly and calmly in your own natural rhythm, taking at least two seconds to breathe in, two seconds to breathe out.
#11 Wake Up Slowly
Be sure to wake up slowly, taking a few moments to stretch your fingers and toes before opening your eyes. Be sure that you are fully awake before standing up.
Enjoy your day!
