Mediation has become a mainstay in stress relief and mindfulness. Mediation was starting to enter society when I was a child in the 90’s – I remember a couple gym teachers playing meditations on off-exercise days. I had a hard time getting into the imagery at the time – and I will be honest, I still do! But, what is the deal?
Google AI states that meditation “Reduces stress and anxiety, Improves mood and emotional regulation, Enhances self-awareness and mindfulness, Increases focus and concentration, and Reduces symptoms of depression and PTSD.”
Sounds pretty legit, right? At the very least, it is a period of time that forces you to pull your focus and attention from the external forces in your life. Especially the ones that kick up tension and enable stress hormone release in your body. The theory is that the longer you practice meditation, the easier it gets to pull your mind back to center and gain control over your own thought patterns not just during meditation but also in daily life. Why is this important? Because the better control you have over your mind, the better you can shape and form the reality around you. Otherwise, a mind that runs amok is a reality that also operates in chaos. Learning how to control your thoughts can reshape the world as you know it!
Are there any drawbacks to mediation? In my humble opinion – very few if any at all. But, what does Google AI say? “While often beneficial, meditation can have adverse effects like anxiety, panic, dissociation, re-experiencing of trauma, and in rare cases, psychosis, especially during intensive or prolonged practice. These risks are associated with a variety of factors, including individual vulnerability, emotional overload, and sensory deprivation. It is important for individuals, particularly those with a history of mental health issues, to be aware of these potential risks and consider how to mitigate them.” Ok, so it probably is best to consult your mental health specialist if you are dealing with some pretty heavy stuff mentally or emotionally. Probably best not to google random meditations and hope they work. Especially by yourself.
How to get started with meditation? There are about a million different ways to approach this. You can consult your therapist. You can try some pretty awesome in person or virtual yoga practices that incorporate this into physical yoga practice. Ask a friend you know who meditates. You can even google some simple step-by-step processes that you can read through, or even listen to. There are a lot of really great and simple meditations you can access for free on YouTube. The world is your oyster! Is it worth a try? Absolutely!
Heal today, transform tomorrow. Unlock your potential to heal, learn and grow. – Dr. Barb Wally, LLC
————————————————————————–
Note: These blog videos are not in exchange for a one on one Physical Therapy visit. Please contact me if you are interested in receiving a Physical Therapy visit!
*This content is original and copyright Dr Barb Wally, LLC*
Telehealth Physical Therapy 