The hectic pace of life can sometimes feel like a bit much. We rush from appointment to appointment, meeting deadlines in a frantic rush and find ourselves navigating traffic, busy lines, and crowded spaces facing unforgiving deadlines and time crunches. It's easy to think about the simpler times when life moved at a more comfortable pace, despite the lack of modern conveniences. Not surprisingly, one study listed in SAGE Journals indicates that the pace of life increases significantly as countries become more developed and the health implications are not always positive. Faster places tend to have higher rates of death from coronary heart disease, higher smoking rates, and greater subjective well-being.
Another study indicates that people are walking more quickly which shows a general increase in speed for all areas of living. This increase in speed isn't great for our health. Increasing the rush factor in our lives can lead to improper eating, lack of exercise and limitations on seeing friends and family which can create many health implications, especially heart attacks.
So, what can be done? While we may not be able to entirely control the pace that life offers us, we can control our approach. Meditation is key to helping us maintain a calm inner presence despite the hectic energy around us. Essentially, meditation is the regular practice of training the mind to focus and to block out distractions in order to enter a space of calm and quiet. You can practice meditation on your own, or there are many forms of guided meditation that can be helpful as well.
The benefits of meditation are endless. Some of them include better focus and concentration, lower levels of anxiety, stress and depression, increased self-esteem, and a greater sense of well-being and kindness towards others.
The benefits of meditation are undoubtedly alluring, but some of you may be wondering how you will find time to fit this practice into an already hectic schedule. Not to fear! You can realize the benefits of meditation in just a few minutes each day.
Take a mental vacation every day by including meditation into your schedule or just carve out a few minutes as you transition through different parts of your day. Spend a few quiet minutes before eating a meal, before heading to bed, or after waking up in the morning. Your mind and body will thank you!
