Top 5 Benefits of Meditation: And How You Can Start Your Practice Today

Did you know mediating for two minutes a day, can dramatically lower levels of our stress hormone, cortisol?

Now that I have your attention let's talk about the benefits of meditation:

1. Reduces stress
2. Improves quality of sleep
3. Improves your attention span
4. Improves your mood
5. Reduces anxiety

How Do You 'Start' to meditate?

The first thing you need to do is find your happy spot. For example, meditation works best for me when I get outside. I set my timer for two minutes...and breathe.

I breathe in (while I am breathing in for the count of four I say to myself I’m breathing in) and I breathe out (while I am breathing out for the count of five I say to myself I’m breathing out). I continue to repeat this over and over.  I'm breathing in... I'm breathing out...

When the timer goes off, I get up and resume my day. It’s incredible. For those go-getters that want a guided meditation, the free app Insight Timer is a remarkable choice.

How Do You Stop Thinking During Meditation?

If you struggle to stay focused on your breath, once you noticed that you drifted off, simply bring your attention back to your breath.  And as you breathe in say 'I am breathing in' and do the same with the exhale.

The key is to have self compassion and just come back to your breath once you notice that you've become distracted.

Another trick is to imagine the thought as a stick in the river that floats on by and goes out of sight.

Or that it's a cloud in the sky.

Trust me, after a little practice you will get through two minutes, no problem.

Namaste.