Not long ago, meditation was seen as more of a joke than a useful therapy technique.
I remember seeing many comedies where one person would be sitting with their legs crossed "ohm"ing while someone else made fun of them.
Over the past few years, however, the benefits of meditation have become more widely accepted.
One of the major benefits it offers is relief for stress and anxiety.
Why is meditation so helpful in relieving stress? Well, first of all it helps your mind to focus on something other than the causes of your stress.
By focusing on one thing, it helps to release the anxiety.
Meditation also helps to repair the damage caused by stress - both physical and mental.
Meditation helps promote certain chemical reactions in your body that help promote peace and relaxation.
These benefits are merely short-term, however.
The real benefit to meditation is in its longer-term effects.
By practicing it daily, it can help to keep hormone levels in balance, as well as other chemicals that affect stress and anxiety, from day to day - even when you're going about your daily routine.
One of the best things about meditation as a form of therapy is that it doesn't require any particular physical skills.
Unlike yoga or other physical methods of relaxation, you do not need to be coordinated or in shape for it to be effective.
You can begin with basic techniques and work your way into more advanced methods as you practice.
Here are four tips for getting started: 1.
Find a quiet place where you won't be interrupted and sit in a position that is comfortable.
There is no "right" position - you merely need to be comfortable and able to relax.
2.
Close your eyes and allow your muscles to relax.
The best way to do this is to focus on each muscle in your body, starting at your feet and working up.
3.
Slow your breathing while repeating your mantra.
A mantra can be something like the "ohm" that is the stereotypical example or something else that has meaning for you.
4.
If you find your mind is starting to wander, don't get upset by it.
Remain relaxed and direct your thoughts back on track.
This is something that will improve with practice.
If you do this regularly, you will help your body and mind to be more peaceful and relaxed.
You'll see results not only in lower levels of stress, but also physical and mental functions.