It is easy to let stress take over your life. From career to family to health to money to
any and everything in between, most people feel like there simply isn’t enough
time in a day to get everything done.
Stress is bad enough in and of itself, but stress can also cause real
physical and emotional harm if it is allowed to go unchecked. There are many drugs that are designed to
reduce stress, but is putting extra drugs and chemicals in your system really
the best way to balance things out?
There is a better way to reduce stress in your life.
One of the best and most tried and true ways for reducing
stress is through meditation. Though it
may sound intimidating, meditation has occurred in every culture in one form or
another through out history. The following
steps will help you learn to clear your mind and relax, and you will be amazed
at how the stress seems to just melt away!
Begin each relaxation time by reducing distractions, noise,
and interruptions. Give yourself the
time and privacy you need. Find a
comfortable sitting position, wear loose and comfortable clothing. Relax and take several deep breathes. Close your eyes and try to mentally focus on
one peaceful word, thought, or image. If
there is a picture, a memory, anything that tends to calm you, try to picture
that. For some people it’s the sound of
the ocean, for others waterfalls, and for yet others, the memory of staring off
a mountain peak. Clear your head, and
let your muscles loosen up, don’t worry about what is going on around you. Relax and enjoy the peace that your image
brings to you.
When you feel yourself drifting away from the image, don’t
force it to stay. This is a good time to
stop. Stretch and exhale deeply as you
wrap up. This is the most initial and
basic form of meditation. While it would
work in and of itself to reduce stress, this is also the basis for several
other exercises and meditations. When
you choose to push on, you will always want to start with this basic meditation
and relaxation. As you go into further
exercises, concentrate on whatever phrases help you relax. “Nice and easy,” is a good generic one, while
Christian meditation may use a scripture such as “Be still, and know I am the
Lord.” There are meditative scriptures
for almost any faith, and plenty of non-religious phrases, chants, or
incantations. Find the phrase that works
for you, and look around for other exercises.
Meditation is a great way to relax, and will do more to improve your
health and reduce stress than any drug, and the only side effect is a calmer
healthier life as a result of your improved mood!
