Relaxation and Meditation Are Just as Crucial To Health as Diet and Exercise

Published on April 18, 2012 by admin   ·   No Comments

 NaturalNews

You gotta relax, man. Life in 2012 means a degree of stress, for just about everyone. Our bodies and minds can take a lot of abuse, but its all too easy to get into a negative cycle, and just keep sinking. You don’t sleep well, you get up late, so you don’t eat, your blood sugar is low, so your temper is short, etc. Stress. If you need more time, more energy, or better sleep, then its worth taking the time to relax and meditate. Believe it or not, this investment in yourself can improve these aspects of your life, and many more.

Everyone knows stress is not good for you. Prolonged exposure to increased levels of cortisol and adrenaline is harmful to your organs. This condition is usually exacerbated by tense, tight muscles (causing pain), shallow breathing, and digestive problems. With just five minutes a few times a day, you can improve your health and cut stress. Best of all, it costs nothing and requires no equipment.

Meditation

I know what you’re thinking: “Where am I going to go at work to sit in a lotus position and hum?” Well that is not the only way to meditate. Meditation can be simply the act of quieting the mind, breathing deeply, becoming aware of your surroundings, and relaxing. The benefits are many. According to Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, while meditation has long been known to provide peacefulness and physical relaxation, recent research supports the claim that it also provides lasting cognitive and psychological benefits. Measurable changes occur in the brain, after only a couple of months, in the regions associated with memory, sense of self, empathy, and stress. If you find that you like it, take it further with a course on mindfulness exercises. Your local library or community center may have some, or you could learn more online.