This is the first of a 3-part series on the benefits of meditation and includes a link at the end of this article to receive a FREE 5-Minute Mindfulness meditation.

It will probably not surprise you that 2020 has been the incredibly stressful year for most. In fact, the average level of self-reported stress in U.S. adults rose to 5.4 in 2020. It was 4.9 in 2019. And stress does not affect just our mental health, it also has a negative impact on our physical well-being.

But there is a free and easy practice anyone can start today to greatly reduce stress, improve mental well-being, and positively impact physical health. It is called Mindfulness Meditation and all you need to start is a comfortable place to sit quietly for 3-5 minutes.

The Health Benefits of Mediation

Meditation has been shown to reduce a person’s stress-levels and the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body. Meditating just 3-5 minutes a day can:

• Lower blood pressure
• Improve sleep
• Alleviate pain
• Reduce anxiety and depression
• Improve chronic conditions like IBS, PTSD, and fibromyalgia

And the list of physical benefits goes on and on.

The Emotional Benefits of Meditation

When you meditate, you clear away the overload of information that builds up and adds to your stress levels. Meditation can provide you with a sense of calm, peace, and steadiness that benefits your emotional well-being. And the benefits do not stop when your meditation session ends.

Meditation can help you navigate your day more calmly by helping you to:

• See stressful situations from a new perspective
• Increase self-awareness
• Focus on the “now” and being in the present moment
• Reduce negative emotions which also negatively impact our physical well-being
• Have greater imagination and creativity
• Have greater patience and tolerance
  
  

Starting a Meditation Practice is Easy

The great thing about starting a daily meditation practice - it does not require special equipment, clothing, or going anywhere particular to practice. All you need is a comfortable place to sit quietly for 3-5 minutes.

And do not worry if you find your attention drifting or thoughts keep popping into your head as you start practicing meditation. It is completely normal, just focus again on your breathing. The practice of returning to your breath and refocusing on the present is the practice of mindfulness.

Remember, meditation is a PRACTICE, so it is never going to be perfect. You are ready to begin just as you are right now!

To make starting a meditation practice even easier, we have created a FREE 5-minute Mindfulness Meditation. To download your FREE copy, click the link below.

At the Cookie Jar we have services and products that can help you relax, calm your mind and body, and release stress. Schedule a relaxing yoni steam session, visit us at our Benson Street location, or shop our online store to find everything you need to reduce stress.

Check back soon for part 2 of our series on The Benefits of Meditation and get a Free Guided Meditation you can download and use as you expand your practice.