Set your intention in 2024 with meditation!
Meditation has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, attention span and self-awareness, as well as control pain. Meditation can include mindfulness, body awareness, spirituality, and visualization. When facing a physical issue like pain, rehabilitation, or stress, meditation can provide an additional tool to your physical therapy sessions.
Begin with 5 minutes per day, slowly building to 10 minutes per day. Pick a good time of day and a comfortable place that gives you a sense of peace.
Start with a basic breathing exercise to bring your awareness to your breath. Sit or lay in your comfortable place. Slowly inhale through your nose for 4 seconds, followed by slowly exhaling through your mouth for 4 seconds. Find a rhythm and steadiness to your breath. Continue this for 3-5 minutes.
Watch this image to help guide your breathing:
https://www.mindful.org/content/uploads/MndfulBeath.gif
Guided meditation is a type of meditation where someone verbally guides you through a meditation exercise. This is a great introduction. There are many accessible guided meditations available on the internet as well as downloadable apps. If you wear an apple watch, utilize the mindfulness app which has a 1 minute timer for breathing as well as mindfulness.
Here is a guided meditation to try:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUASVHlfXeI
Build your meditation practice and consistency to transition into a more mindful 2024! Wishing you an intentional and peaceful new year!
References:
Mindful.org. https://www.mindful.org/content/uploads/MndfulBeath.gif
You Tube – Declutter The Mind