10 Best Ways to Meditate: Relieve Stress and Anxiety With These Techniques
10: Breathing Meditation
This type of meditation has you focus on your breathing. It is such a natural thing, so we can easily take it for granted. Our bodies and minds force us to breathe in and out without having to think about it all of the time. However, when using the breathing meditation techniques you will focus on your breathing and be conscious of it.
Sit somewhere quiet and comfortable. Place your hand on your stomach. You want to feel your stomach rise and fall as you breathe, not your chest. Breathe in as slow and as far in as possible. Once you cannot possibly breathe in anymore begin to slowly breathe out as slow as possible. Once you cannot possibly breathe out anymore start the process again. Do this for twenty breaths. Focus completely on your breath as you practice this meditation.
9: Walking Meditation
One of the 10 best ways to meditate is walking meditation. Get out and plan a mile or so walk. It should be for at least twenty minutes. While you are walking be aware of your surroundings, what you are feeling, what you are thinking, and everything in nature. Walking meditation is great for nature walks and hiking. Take note of the smells and the sights. It can help you get in touch with yourself and nature.
8: Guided Meditation
Guided meditation is usually done through a CD or MP3 file where someone talks you through the meditation. Guided meditations are one of the 10 best ways because it is great for beginners or those who have a difficult time meditating on their own. You can find guided meditation CDs in stores or download a guided meditation file for your MP3 player or computer.
7: Quiet Mind Meditation
Quiet mind meditation is exactly what it sounds like. It is meant to quiet your mind. There are so many thoughts, worries, concerns, and feelings that can flood our minds in just one day. It can increase stress, anxiety, and make sleeping soundly seem impossible. Quiet mind meditation can help you get that back. Sit in a comfortable and quiet place. Allow your worries to be released from your mind’s grip. Your goal is to think of nothing. It’s not easy, but simply doing this for 20 minutes a day can help you reduce stress on a long-term basis.
6: Activity Meditation
Many people practice activity meditation on a regular basis and don’t even know it. That’s why it is one of the 10 best ways to meditate. Examples of activity meditation are gardening, Yoga, journaling, painting, drawing, and more. When you feel “in the zone” this is often a form of meditation. Your mind is free from the world of worries and is able to focus on what you are doing in the moment.
5: Spiritual Meditation
Spiritual meditation includes praying or just listening to God, the universe, or a higher form. This type of meditation can help you seek guidance. Praying is a form of meditation, which is why it helps so many people across the world.
4: In the Moment Meditation
In the moment meditation is exactly what you think it is. All day we might be thinking about what we have to do tomorrow, the next week, etc. We worry about what will happen later. How will we make that next car payment? Eliminate these thoughts and live in the moment. Anytime a worry pops up in your head remind yourself to be in the moment and focus on what you are doing right now.
3: Visualization Meditation
Visualization meditation is one of the 10 best ways to meditate because it can help you achieve just about anything in life. For example, let’s say you have a presentation coming up. In visualization meditation you need to visualize yourself driving to the place where you will give the presentation, getting out of your car, walking into the building, etc. Visualize every detail. Many professional athletes and business people use visualization meditation to help them achieve success.
2: Mantra Meditation
A mantra is a phrase or word you repeat to yourself while practicing breathing meditation. Some phrases that could be used are “calm”, “I am strong”, or “I feel at peace”. Choose whatever phrase or word that works best for you.
1: Binaural Beats Meditation
Binaural beats meditation is one of the 10 best ways to meditate. You can buy this type of meditation on CD or as a downloadable file. It usually lasts from 30 to 60 minutes, which is perfect for daily meditation. You will hear a background noise that should be calming. You will then hear binaural beats in 2 different tones. Your brain will try to figure out the difference in the tones, which brings about a meditative state. This is another form that can be great for beginners.
Resources
https://ezinearticles.com/?5-Easy-Ways-To-Meditate&id=1048105
https://stress.about.com/od/lowstresslifestyle/a/meditation.htm
https://life.gaiam.com/gaiam/p/Face-It-and-Fix-It.html
https://www.buzzle.com/editorials/2-26-2006-89868.asp
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