At some point in our lives, we’ve all heard things about meditation. Some people say that it’s helped them eliminate stress in their lives while others opine that it’s a method of relaxation that only monks have mastered. So, what exactly is meditation and why should you try it out?

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Mediation is Mindfulness

Contrary to popular belief, mediation is a technique that increases mindfulness. Meditators are more focused on the present situation and aren’t easily distracted. In an age where multitasking is a regular part of our daily lives, being mindful and focusing on the present is an extremely important trait to develop. It ensures that we are emotionally and mentally healthy.

While mindfulness meditation – which involves concentrating on your breath and ignoring distractions – is the most common type of meditation, there are other types of it as well. Find out the one that works best for you and your lifestyle.

Benefits

Ok, so now you know what meditation really is. But what benefits can you reap from practicing it? Here’s an overview:

You will start listening

Have you ever found yourself nodding off during a conversation without actually listening to what the other person is saying? Were you thinking about lunch, kids, your spouse or about an upcoming meeting while someone is talking to you?

Mindfulness meditation hones your communication skills by encouraging you to listen – not just to another person’s words but also their body language. And actually listening to the people around you will ensure that your relationships are strengthened with them in the long-run. After all, good communication, including listening, is the cornerstone of a healthy relationship.

You will be less stressed

When was the last time you actually sipped and enjoyed a cup of tea or devoured a meal without thoughts racing in your mind? Stress often inhibits us from enjoying the present. Studies have shown that meditation reduces stress and improves our ability to regulate emotions. So you won’t just be less stressed if you give meditation a try, you’ll also be able to understand and regulate your emotions.

You will be happier

Speaking of emotions, meditation has been found to help increase signals to the left side of the prefrontal cortex – an area of the brain that’s responsible for positive emotions – and decrease signals to the right side of the prefrontal cortex – an area that is responsible for negative emotions.

This means that you will be happier and feel more positive emotions rather than negative ones.

You will be more self-aware

Meditation is as much a journey of being mindful of the present moment than it is of discovering and being in touch with our inner selves. We’re always “connected” to people through social media, messengers and emails. But how often do we connect with ourselves every day?

You will accept yourself

Let’s be honest – There are a lot of people who are ready to criticize you. Everyone has an opinion about what kind of person you are, what you should be doing and how you should live your life. Accepting yourself is hard when people around you are ready to put you down and express their opinions about you. The best way to beat all that negativity is to learn to accept yourself the way you are right now.

Acceptance makes you happier. Acceptance makes you comfortable being in your own mind and body. Acceptance gives you peace of mind. Acceptance gives you clarity.

So there you have it – 5 reasons to start meditating. Have you started meditating recently and felt some changes to your mind and body? Hit the comments with your thoughts!

Having problems listening to your partner or being present in the moment? Contact Orly Gueron a licensed marriage and family therapist and relationship specialist in Aventura, FL!