Meditation is a great tool to slow downtime, improve focus, and gain insight into stressful situations. Like Helen Lee Schifter, living a minimalist lifestyle and meditating is one way to increase prosperity and release stress. The practice of exploring and enjoying all of what life has to offer results in having a positive outlook, especially during a pandemic.
Anxiety and stress are a part of human nature. They play a role in how people interact with each other, but they can sometimes be overbearing and have several disadvantages. While being anxious allows you to identify danger, chronic anxiety and stressful circumstances can have mental and physical effects on the body.
Effects of Chronic Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal and common emotion that many people experience. However, chronic anxiety or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is excessive, unrealistic, and constant worrying, and the fear of ordinary situations. GAD can lead to recurring headaches, depression, panic attacks, insomnia, and erectile dysfunction.
Usual episodes of anxiety and worry cause the brain to release hormones to prepare the body for whatever problem it will face. The brain and body will return to normal after the situation passes. Constant anxiety and worry will
result in the body being continuously wired and cause the immune system to become weak.
Benefits of Meditation
Former arbitrage trader on Wall Street and current wellness expert Helen Lee Schifter credits her positive outlook on life and productivity on a daily routine involving meditation.
Here are five benefits of meditation:
1. Reduces Stress
There are many types of meditation practiced globally. The most popular is mindfulness meditation which trains the mind and body to relax. Mindfulness meditation involves breathing deeply and paying attention to what is happening to the mind and body.
2. Focus and Concentration
Focusing and concentrating on what is taking place in the present is another benefit of meditation. It allows for an increase in attention to detail and accuracy to tasks.
Another type of meditation is loving-kindness meditation; it increases self-esteem and compassion in oneself and for others.
4. Fights Addiction
Addiction comes in two forms and is controlled by the brain. Chemical addiction is the constant use of and dependency on drugs. Behavioral addiction is the compulsion to do things or behave in a certain way that has negative results.
Meditation increases self-control and awareness, allowing for the identification of specific triggers and how to ignore them.
5. Control Pain
Pain is transmitted by nerves and detected by the brain. Physical injury and medical conditions can cause pain, and it can be mild or severe depending on the situation. Mindfulness meditation allows the brain to control the level of pain that is felt and increases the quality of life.
Meditation can be done anywhere by anyone and has numerous physical and mental benefits. Research the many types of meditation and identify the more beneficial ones. Incorporate the practice in a daily routine to reap its many rewards. There are support groups online or at community centers to offer help.