Are you feeling overwhelmed by the idea of getting fit? All those sit-ups and lunges can be daunting to take on, especially if you let stress get in the way.
Well, we just so happen to have an ancient method of dealing with that dreaded feeling—meditation!
Yes, we said it: meditation might just be the key to achieving your fitness goals without all the frustration.
It may be counterintuitive at first since we often associate getting fit with vigorous sessions in the gym, but the truth is that getting fit is, to a big extent, a matter of recovery.
And meditation can help with just that.
Let’s discuss!
What’s Meditation
Meditation is an ancient practice that focuses on a person’s mental state. It encourages individuals to redirect attention inward and focus on their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Meditation can be used as a vessel for relaxation, allowing you to rest your mind, body, and spirit while gaining perspective on the world around you.
In the modern era, there are numerous ways to approach meditation, ranging from guided sessions and mindfulness techniques to silent reflection.
Of course, results vary among individuals - some benefit more than others in regards to mental clarity and physical relaxation - but regardless of outcomes, it is a powerful tool that enables one to take control of their mental state whilst diving into endless possibilities for personal growth.
Meditation Shifts Brain Activity
The ability to meditate and slow down brainwave activity has been known to have immense benefits for mental health, particularly in reducing stress.
Through steady meditation practice, individuals can learn to bring awareness to the present moment and quiet the mind.
Why is this important for fitness? Well, because stress hinders recovery and growth within the body, and as we know, recovery is crucial in the context of getting fit.
As evidence continues to mount supporting the notion that deep concentration leads to physical shifts in brainwave activity, understanding the importance of incorporating meditation into our daily lives becomes more and more clear.
Today’s Stress
In today's world, stress is an unfortunate reality for many. Fast-paced lifestyles and the pressure of day-to-day expectations can take a toll on both physical and mental health.
From ever-growing workloads to relationship complications, stress manifests in numerous forms and can have a noticeable impact on well-being.
Recognizing the signs of stress is key to managing it, such as identifying triggers, developing coping skills, maintaining a balanced lifestyle, and leaning on support systems when necessary.
Certainly, training is a great stress reliever, but practising a meditative state outside of the gym can, too, be highly beneficial for consistent stress management.
The Simplest Meditation
Breathwork, or paying attention to your breathing patterns and rhythms, is at the heart of meditation practice.
It is a simple yet effective tool for calming your mind and body, as well as for diving deeper and connecting with your inner consciousness.
The simplest way to begin practicing breathwork is by inhaling gradually over 5-6 seconds, followed by exhaling slowly over 6-8 seconds.
This can be done anywhere and anytime - while sitting comfortably in a quiet space, going for a walk outside, or even standing in line at the grocery store.
You can start with a minute and gradually increase the duration of your practice.
With time, the meditative state may become default, creating a calmer and happier you.
Final Thoughts
If you’re not managing your stress, you’re not managing your fitness.
Luckily, there are many ways to keep stress at bay and one of the most effective is through meditation.
So take a deep breath, close your eyes, and clear your mind – it might just be the best few minutes you will ever have!