Mindfulness Meditation to Reduce Stress!

STRESS!

We all deal with it. We can not get completely away from it. Some stress is good for us, too much is not. Too much stress can lead to anxiety, burn out and depression. It is important that we take time for ourselves to reduce stress in the mind and body.
According to the American Psychological Association, chronic stress is linked to the leading causes of death in the US today.

We need to love ourselves, have compassion and understanding towards ourselves, in the same way we love, have compassion and understanding towards others.

So, let's be gentle with ourselves. Let's take care of us, so we can better care for those we love.

Let's dive in!

1. MINDFULNESS MEDITATION

Mindfulness meditation can calm down stress and anxiety, reduce depression, and increase self awareness. According to today's neuroscience research, mindfulness meditation has been shown to actually rewire the network in your brain.

This article from Psychology Today does a great job at explaining the connection between neuroscience and mindfulness meditation:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-brain-work/200910/the-neuroscience-mindfulness

Here are my top 3 favorite mindfulness meditation apps:

1. Headspace - My favorite! I love listening to my Australian friend guide me through my meditation everyday. This app has a good amount of free meditations you can do. For a good introduction to mindfulness meditation you can't beat Headspace. The animations are great at helping you better understand concepts too.
If you want to subscribe then you have the whole library at your disposal. Subscription is $12.99 a month, $94.99 per year or $399.99 lifetime access. Also, it's quick and easy if you ever need to cancel your subscription. 
Available for iOS and Android.

2. Insight Timer -  This app has a lot of free meditations - more than 4,500 free guided meditations. It also gives you access to 750 meditation music tracks. 
Available for iOS and Android.

3. Zen Mindfulness - This app has a good amount of free meditations. 
Available for iOS and Android.

Also, check out the multitude of free guided mindfulness meditation sessions on youtube! 

For beginning mindfulness mediators, I would highly recommend guided meditation to begin with. Guided meditation will help you stay focused and teach you how to meditate mindfully. Plus, with someone walking you through your meditation, it will help it be over before you know it! Which makes meditation feel less like a chore and a more enjoyable experience. If it's more enjoyable then you are more likely to keep doing it. Being consistent is the key to the benefits!

Also, research online and read books to better understand mindfulness meditation and it's benefits. I am currently reading a book titled "Buddha's Brain" by Rick Hanson, PH.D. So far it is a good read.

"This book will help you better understand the workings of the mind and the neurological roots of happiness, empathy, and interdependence."-taken from the text of the Preface in Buddha's Brain. 

Now, Go Forth and Meditate!