A general introduction to meditation
Meditation
Discover the deepest parts of your being
Meditation is a practice that has been around for centuries, but it has gained popularity in recent years as a way to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Even though it is still often seen as something highly spiritual it has shown to have a strong positive effect on all aspects of your health. Therefore, it is an unmissable piece in the puzzle of personal growth. But what is meditation?
Well, a meditation practice aims to train the mind to focus and become aware of the present moment. This article will provide a snapshot of the benefits and general introduction on how to get started.
4 key benefits of meditation
Stress reducement
One of the primary benefits of a practice is the ability to reduce stress levels. Stress is a (both physical and mental) natural response to difficult situations and can have a negative impact on our health if left unchecked. Meditation can help to reduce the production of stress hormones (i.e. cortisol) and promote relaxation. Studies have shown that regular practice can lead to a reduction in anxiety and depression, as well as improved overall well-being due to decreased cortisol levels in the human body.
Health benefits
In line with the decreased cortisol levels is the physical benefit of a meditation practice. Regular practice has been shown to lower blood pressure and decrease inflammation in the body. This leads to a stronger immune system and reduced risk of chronic diseases. In addition, the decreased cortisol levels lead to improved mental health which can result in better sleep quality, giving our bodies the rest, they need to perform at their peak.
Focus & concentration
Another benefit is improved focus and concentration. Focussed on high performance people, we know the importance of being able to stay focused during competition, training, or a workday. Meditation can help to improve our ability to concentrate, which leads to better performance on the field or in the gym. In addition, it helps to improve memory retention, beneficial for athletes and people who need to remember plays, routines, or other important information.
Relationships & social connection
I want to stress how meditation can also help to improve relationships and social connections. Studies have shown that regular practice can lead to increased empathy and compassion for others as we become more aware and present regarding the emotions we are experiencing. This helps to improve communication and relationships with friend, family, colleagues, and other important people in our lives.
So now what?
So, how can you incorporate a meditation practice into your daily routine? The best way to start is to keep it simple. It doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Just a few minutes each day can make a significant difference in your overall well-being and awareness. Note that it is far better to do a simple few minute’s meditation every day, than it is to do one long session every week. As the power is in the repetition!
There are many different types of meditating, so it’s important to find the one that works best for you. Some popular types of meditation include:
- Mindfulness meditation – This involves focusing on your breath and becoming aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment
- Transcendental meditation – This involves using a mantra or word to help focus your mind and achieve a deep state of relaxation
- Loving-kindness meditation – This involves focusing on sending love and compassion to yourself and others
Timing
Meditating can be done at any time of the day, however right before sleeping and just after waking up are easy moments to incorporate. To add, a meditation practice to start your day helps you to stay aware and present throughout the day. That will boost your performance the longest.
How to do so? Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed and set a timer for a few minutes. Sit comfortably with your back straight and close your eyes. Focus on your breath and let your thoughts come and go without judgment. When your timer goes off, slowly open your eyes and take a few deep breaths before continuing with your day. It is best to start easily and set a timer for about 5 – 10 minutes. Starting with super long sessions can be challenging and might lead to demotivation. Just start and you’ll find the time that fits you sooner than later!
Boost your meditation
Once you have familiarized yourself with meditation you might want to take it to the next level. We can help you do this through our cacao. Packed with natural nutrients that open your heart chakra, cacao will deepen your meditative experience and open gates that were previously inaccessible.
The best way to boost your meditation with cacao is by transforming your moment of me-time into a cacao ceremony. Want to know more? Visit our page on cacao ceremonies to learn the ins and outs on how to do these at home.
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Final notes
To summarize, meditation is a simple and effective way to improve your overall well-being. It helps to reduce stress, improve focus and concentration, and promote physical health. By incorporating meditation into your daily routine, you can take your training and performance to the next level and achieve your goals both on and off the field. Finally, it enables a feeling of relaxation and peace of mind helping you to relax even more!
Want to know more about the science behind meditation? Andrew Huberman is a great explainer of the scientific benefits