Meditation is all about cultivating presence, non-judgment, and awareness. But what’s so beautiful about meditation is how simple and accessible it is. People of all ages can benefit from mindful meditation as long as they can find the space and time to practice it. In fact, mindful meditation generally improves your physical and psychological health! Additionally, as a mature adult, you benefit more from meditation as you have more time to practice meditation, can relax and enjoy the moment more, and have the wisdom to appreciate the beauty of meditation. So, you might be wondering what exactly are the benefits of meditation, and how can you start meditating. Look no further because here is an all-inclusive guide to meditation techniques to help you in your journey of meditating.
Benefits of Mindful Meditation
In general, mindful meditation has several physical and psychological benefits for mature adults. This includes better sleep, lower stress levels, and increased feelings of calmness. Cognitively, research has also shown that meditation stimulates the memory centers of your brain, hence improving long-and short-term memory, your ability to focus, and your resilience. Additionally, another recent study suggests that it can even slow down the development of Alzheimer’s.
What about the physical benefits? Meditation can lower your blood pressure and reduce inflammation. Moreover, the National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health has also found that it is associated with decreased irritable bowel symptoms.
Apart from helping with your physical health, mindful meditation also reduces loneliness and depression and aids you in better managing your moods and emotions. You will also feel more empathetic towards others and generally enjoy a more “feel-good” vibe. Now that you know the endless benefits of meditation, are you now ready to become a happier, more focused, and healthier self? The next part will introduce you to the know-how of meditation, even if you are a complete beginner.
Best Meditation Methods
One good way to step foot into the world of meditating is to use simple meditation platforms, such as meditation apps, podcasts, and websites. Such platforms often offer simple guided meditations for the complete beginners to those more well-versed. If you are new to meditating, the usage of these platforms can also prevent your mind from wandering around and provide you with clear steps to practice. Some apps can also track mini-sessions. This allows you to be present and aware in a short time frame, and hence a great way to get in the habit of meditating.
However, if your mind is focused but physically tired or cannot sit upright, you can try using the “body scan” mindfulness technique. This technique involves relaxing your body by lying down or sitting comfortably and focusing on the physical sensations. After all, your mind tends to remain more alert when your body is fully relaxed and hence, able to achieve better meditation practices.
