By Dee Griffin
There has been an increase in popularity of meditation in recent years. It is a very powerful tool for managing stress and improving mental health. With our current society demands and a never ending to do list, there is no doubt that something needed to be utilized to assist with stress, anxiety, and burnout. The practice of meditation is an effective and easily accessible way to foster calm and resilience.
Meditation involves focusing on the present moment and often uses guided breathing or body awareness exercises. Studies have shown that this practice can lower cortisol level which is a hormone related to stress. Regular meditation has been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms by as much as 70 percent and is effective across diverse groups. Some consider it a reset for your mind. Popular apps like Calm and Headspace help people utilize their cellphones to remind them to take a few moments to meditate and/or just breath.
Mindfulness is also becoming part of treatment plans in healthcare as well. This is not the end all for stress. You have to do you part to handle life’s demands and there are other skills that need to be developed for you to be successful but mindful meditation is a great place to start.
Consistency makes a difference. The goal would be to spend up to 20 minutes but this will be difficult for most beginners. Start with short guided session just a few moments at first and build on that as best you can to react the 20 minute goal.
Taking the time to meditate daily may seem awkward at first but give it a sincere tray and you may find that it may become the cornerstone of your wellness journey after all, where the mind goes, the body will follow.
Dee Anne Griffin owns Dynamic Health Solutions, LLC and is a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has worked in the medical field for more than 20 years. She listens and recommends different options to create a unique plan that fits each individual. When not practicing medicine Griffin spends time on her family farm tending to her animals and is very active in her church. Contact her at 803-454-1661. Her offices are located at 169 A Medical Circle, West Columbia.