by Master isolated images freedigitalphotos.net
When I did my first fitness course 8 years ago, we did a brainstorm of all the words that come under the title of fitness. ‘Fitness’ embodies so much more than simply how fast you can run or how much weight you can push, pull or lift. A big part of overall fitness — and what I use as part of my teaching, both as a personal trainer and yoga teacher — is improving your mental health. This means things like reducing stress, improving your ability to relax, realising your self worth and cultivating more positive feelings in every day life. All-in-all — promoting a greater sense of well-being for greater equilibrium within your body.
Practising meditation regularly can help a great deal with all of the above and more. Meditation may bring to mind the vision of a yogi, sitting in a quiet space with a candle burning, and relaxing music playing. It doesn’t have to be like that, or even sitting down. — I have found myself most at peace and in a state of meditational bliss when walking in the park on a warm day; being fully aware of myself, my senses and the sights and sounds of nature around me.
by artemisphoto freedigitalphotos.net
Meditation for peace of mind
When sitting, with the ‘pressure’ of needing to relax and clear the mind, one can often find it hard to keep pestering thoughts at bay. Sound familiar? Instead of stressing over your lack of time or your inability to make time to officially meditate, find something that brings your mind almost to stillness e.g. walking, gardening, painting or cooking, etc. One of the benefits of slowing down the constant whirring activity of the brain is that it creates space and promotes a feeling of ease.
For example: doesn’t it feel great when you clear out a desk drawer, cupboard or wardrobe? With the extra space, you can then see and appreciate the value of what there is that’s left! The same goes for your headspace. Once you’ve had your mental ‘clearout’, try your best to not let toxic thoughts or actions butt in on your peaceful state.
The knock-on effect of improving your mental well-being is that your body reaps the rewards too. Meditation can help with: reducing blood pressure, episodes of depression, tension headaches, improving sleep, self-esteem, mind-body connection, enhancing focus in competitive athletes.
by Stoonn freedigitalphotos.net
Here are a couple of interesting and useful resources, showing the benefits of meditation.
- 7 Health Benefits of Meditation (with a meditation video to follow)
- An Infographic on the effects of meditation on the body
Yoga for relaxation
Savasana, meaning ‘corpse pose’ is the final asana in yoga practice. Although some might think it is simply lying on the floor, it is just as important as the other postures, with regards to alignment and focus. Lie with your legs and arms splayed evenly to the sides, palms relaxed and facing upwards. This pose is for recollection of what’s gone before, though passively doing so, not thinking with a busy mind. Try to settle into a relaxed breathing pattern.
The mind never completely quiets down, but as you loosen your identification with the physical body, you can disconnect from the constant whirr of thoughts. Then you can simply witness those thoughts, just as you would notice the rising and falling of your chest with the breath. As this happens, you’ll feel more at ease and the mind begins to settle and become more peaceful.
