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Meditation. I've tried incorporating this secret ingredient into my life, but it's been a bit elusive. Until now.
To begin meditation or pick it up after some time has passed, it helps to mentally prepare and commit to a practice. Let meditation evolve with your changing interests and needs: that could mean meditating for a longer period of time, switching from focus on music to focus on breath, forest bathing to the sounds of nature, guided meditation-- there are so many wonderful ways to accomplish meditation. Discover meditation that is most fulfilling for you.
This gentle yet powerful practice is shown in countless studies to boost mental clarity, heighten awareness, and improve overall health. It's also a secret ingredient in weight loss. Meditation can be your ally in shedding pounds. No joke: It helps quiet the mind's chatter, reducing stress, a known contributor to weight gain.
Cortisol is a stress hormone linked to weight gain, especially in the abdominal area. Meditation helps lower cortisol by activating the body's relaxation response through deep, focused breathing and mindful awareness. This shift away from the stress response reduces cortisol levels and indirectly supports weight loss as well as overall improved health. Check out the meta-analysis by Headspace:
In a fast-moving, distraction-filled world, the idea of meditation can seem like a daunting task. Especially, if there is the pressure of "doing it right." For me, that pressure is why I was unsuccessful in bringing meditation into my life. But now I see that "doing it right" can be different and new and everchanging. I close my eyes, take a few deep breaths and set an intention at the start of each day. What energy do I want to bring? What skill do I want to sharpen (i.e. "improve communication skills by practicing active listening)? It's incredibly powerful.
Let's breathe a little deeper, listen a little more intently, and sprinkle our days with moments of mindfulness.
With love and sparkles,
Senia
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