School has finally begun! This means a lot of us are starting many new chapters in our lives. Whether that be new classes, a new job, new friends, or maybe even a new environment. Change is good, but sometimes it can be stressful. In my last blog titled, Healthy Habits for Maintaining Stress, we discussed the many ways you can handle your anxiety and stress. Continuing on with that theme, today we will be talking about the practice known as meditation. I used to think meditation was a waste of time. However, I have recently discovered the many benefits of meditation and wanted to share them with all of you. This only takes a few minutes out of your busy schedule to implement and it can truly make the biggest difference. With that being said, let’s talk about meditation for your mental health! 

Benefits of Meditation: 

● Helps decrease your metabolism 

○ Did you know meditation can make a physical difference inside of your body? Meditation has been proven to lower your blood pressure. This allows for improvement in areas such as your heart rate, brain waves, and breathing patterns. To learn more about these amazing health benefits click here to read! 

● Cope with Stress 

○ As mentioned above, entering a new chapter in your life adds a bonus level of stress and anxiety. If you already suffer with these challenges, you definitely want to find a solution. That’s why meditation is great! Meditation tends to give your body a sense of calmness and interpeace. It aids in improving your emotional well being which lowers levels of stress and anxiety. 

● Better Focus and Concentration

○ A large part of meditation is balance. Having good balance leads your brain to have both better concentration skills and focusing abilities. This can allow for better self-awareness and allow you to be kinder to not only yourself, but to others as well. 

Lastly, implementing meditation into your everyday life will hopefully give you a more rounded schedule and just time to wind down for the day. When I find myself with a lot of negative thoughts, inner stress, or anger I meditate. For more information on exactly how to start meditating, watch this beginners video which focuses on just exactly how to begin your practice! As always, remember… 

Do not get discouraged, 

Cora Shircel