5 Ways Meditation Can Benefit Your Wellbeing

Meditation has become essential to my well-being over the last few years. The endless benefits it offers make it an easy practice for me to return to time and time again. My introduction to meditation was through practicing yoga. In the yoga classes I attended, before we started doing physical poses (asanas), we would sit in meditation or do breathing exercises (pranayama), which I felt immediate benefits from. I started reading books about meditation and yoga and realized its importance. Now, I try to practice meditation every day, even without yoga. It’s a practice that I recommend to anyone who comes to me with symptoms of (though please note, meditation is not a cure for these symptoms; sometimes medical advice is needed):

• Anxiety
• Stress
• Tension
• Insecurities
• Fear of change or growth
• Lack of creativity

And so much more.

What Is Meditation?

Meditation is a practice that has existed for thousands of years. While people use it for various reasons, most turn to meditation to relax and reduce stress. Especially in these uncertain times, meditation has become a way for many to reconnect with their true selves—a state of calm, peace, and balance.

There are several ways you can meditate, depending on your preference:

• Guided Meditations: A structured session led by a teacher or expert.
• Mantra Meditations: Involves repeating a word, sound, or phrase. The word “Mantra” comes from Sanskrit, with “man” meaning “mind” and “tra” meaning “release.”
• Yoga: An ancient practice combining physical postures, meditation, and breathing to benefit mind and body.
• Mindfulness Meditations: A practice where you stay aware of the present moment without judgment.
• Qigong: Part of traditional Chinese medicine, involving a combination of meditation, movement, and breath regulation.
• Tai Chi: A gentle form of exercise that focuses on slow movements and deep breathing.

The key is to focus on freeing your mind from stress and worry. Ideally, you’ll want to sit in a quiet place and in a comfortable position, allowing yourself to breathe without judgment. A common misconception is that your mind must always be tranquil during meditation. While we aim for stillness, thoughts will sometimes flow in, and that’s okay. The power of meditation lies in recognizing those thoughts and gently letting them go.

Benefits of Meditation

Meditation offers a range of emotional and physical benefits. As someone who has been practicing meditation for over eight years, here are some of the benefits I’ve personally experienced that could also enhance your life:

It Invites You to Love Yourself

Meditation allows you to reconnect with the love you may have lost for yourself. In a world obsessed with social media and comparison, feeling disconnected or inadequate is easy. Meditation creates a space free from judgment, where you can be fully present. Taking this time for yourself is a way to show your mind, body, and soul love, positively affecting you and everyone around you.

Creates a Sense of Gratefulness

After meditating, I feel a sense of gratitude like nothing else. I find myself more thankful after each session—whether for the safe space I have to meditate, the food in my kitchen, or the presence of loved ones. Meditation often reminds me to be grateful for everything I have, no matter how small it may seem. The more thankful you are, the more the universe gives back. Your energy sends out signals that you’re ready to receive more abundance.

Helps You Become Less Reactive

Have you ever felt so angry or frustrated that you couldn’t control your reactions? It’s as though emotions take over, and you don’t recognize yourself in those moments. Meditation has helped me with that. It allows you to slow down and gain awareness of your feelings. This awareness enables you to think before you speak or react. Over time, you become less reactive and more thoughtful in responding to situations.

Improves Focus and Concentration

One of the most significant benefits of meditation is how it sharpens your focus and concentration. In a world full of distractions, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or scattered. Meditation helps you train your mind to stay present. Practicing mindfulness teaches you to acknowledge distractions without letting them take over. This skill improves your ability to focus on tasks, whether working on a project or trying to stay present in conversations.

It Can Enhance Creativity

Meditation can boost creativity. Studies have shown that mindfulness can enhance creative thinking, and I’ve experienced this firsthand. After meditating, I think more clearly, communicate with intention, and feel confident in taking creative risks. Fear of judgment can stifle creativity, but meditation helps release that fear and allows you to embrace your authentic, creative self.

Embrace the Journey

Meditation is more than a relaxation technique; it’s a journey of self-discovery and inner peace. Incorporating meditation into your daily routine offers many physical, emotional, and mental benefits. It’s a practice that fosters self-love, gratitude, emotional resilience, enhanced creativity, and sharper focus. I encourage you to explore meditation and see how it can transform your life just as it has transformed mine. Remember, the path to a calmer, more centered you is just a few mindful breaths away.