Meditation – A path to relaxation
February 17, 2020
Meditation has many health benefits, and is a highly effective way to relieve stress and maintain a healthier lifestyle. If you practice meditation regularly, you know how good it feels – like a breath of fresh air for the mind. For those who don't practice, let’s be real, meditation is challenging!
If you put in the effort to learn and practice meditation, you can transform the way you experience stress in your life. Some days it’s easy to quiet your mind, and other days it’s an uphill battle. Regardless of how each meditation sessions goes, know that you’re doing yourself good.
At first it seems simple; you just close your eyes and breathe, right? Yes, but meditation is much more than that. With practice, meditation becomes an easy habit to maintain.
We know that meditation feels great, but what are the actual health benefits?
Greater sense of awareness
Reduce stress and anxiety
Increases mental clarity and focus
Emotional intelligence
Trigger the brain’s relaxation response
Improves sleep
Helps preserve the aging brain
Meditation is a potent practice that teaches patience, confidence, strength and awareness. Even closing your eyes and taking a deep breath in and out is a form of meditation. Much like the physical practice of yoga, meditation helps you establish a stronger connection between mind and body. Through this greater sense of self-awareness, we cultivate present moment awareness, which allows us to remain present, grounded and focused in all aspects and every moment of our lives.
“We all seek retreats, whether it be a vacation in another country, by the sea, or mountains. You can find a retreat at any time by looking inward. Sit with your eyes closed, turn on some music and tune out of the world. Feel your breath go in and out. This will provide you peace. Treat yourself often to this retreat and be renewed.” – Marcus Aurelius
There are many apps that provide free meditations (such as Calm, Headspace, 10% Happier) and several more available by subscription. Find one or two that work for you!
Here are a few guided meditations:
Happy meditating!
The information, content and material provided by OMERS Administration Corporation at each link on this page is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be, or to substitute for, medical advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if you have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment and do not disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice because of the content provided at any of the links on this page. OMERS AC and its affiliates and other investment entities are not responsible or liable in any manner for your use of or reliance on the above information.