UCanMakeItIfYouTry – Benefits of Meditation
Many people are exhausted in today’s stressed out, distracted society and find life in the rat race frustrating. Few of us know what it feels like to slow down and be deliberate about actions and thoughts. Instead, we suffer from the strain of constant business. Meditation can help you regain control in your out-of-control world.
1 – Helps Reduce Your Stress
When you are stressed, your body reacts by releasing cortisol. You may find you suffer from insomnia, anxiety, and increased blood pressure. Meditation helps reduce your stress and the amount of cortisol released in your body.
2 – Lessens Anxiety in Some
Stress can increase anxiety in some people. As they learn some meditation techniques to reduce stress, they will also lower their anxiety levels. It helps you cope better in those anxiety-triggering situations.
3 – Positive Increase of Your Emotional Health
Consistent meditation practice can improve your self-image and increase your positive outlook on things. In general, you will experience fewer negative thoughts as you grow in the course of meditating.
4 – Become More Self-Aware
Understanding yourself enables you to make better decisions and improve your life. It also helps you in relating to others around you. You can learn more about yourself, what makes you tick, and increase your problem-solving skills by meditating.
5 – Increase Your Attention Span
Can you hold a thought for longer than 30 seconds? Many cannot. Enter the discipline of focused-attention meditation. With regular practice, you may find your attention span lasts longer than your two-year-old for the first time in months.
6 – Improve Your Memory
If you want to fight off age-related memory loss and dementia, meditation may be precisely what you need. It helps improve your focus, memory, and mental clarity and is an excellent tool to keep your mind sharp.
7 – Sleep Better at Night
Besides reducing stress and increasing your memory, you may find that you fall asleep faster in the evening. You learn to reign in your runaway thoughts that can keep you awake at night. It is all about relaxing your mind and body for a better night’s sleep.
8 – Increase Your Empathy with Others
Depending on the type of meditation you choose, you may find that your feelings of kindness and empathy grow. You will learn to extend forgiveness to others and even yourself.
9 – Fight Your Addictions
Be it alcohol, drugs, sugar, or food, addictions affect your life and relationships. Some types of meditating can help you learn to redirect your attention, emotions, and impulses. You will also better understand what is behind your addiction so that you may overcome it.
FAST-ACTION STEPS
1 – Research the different meditation methods and decide what will work for your specific need. Many meditation approaches focus on various aspects of life. You may need to try several before you find what works for you.
2 – Choose an area of your life you want to improve and focus on it. If you are stressed, cannot sleep, and are addicted to sugar, you may cause more frustration if you split your time between all three. Start with one area, master it, and then move to the next area of life you want to improve.
3 – Look for apps, videos, or a counselor. Technology makes it possible to meditate on your own. You can find apps and videos to meet your needs. Alternatively, you may benefit from counseling that includes medication techniques.
- About the Author
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James Donaldson
Former Owner and Director of The Donaldson Clinic (an outpatient physical therapy clinic)
James completed a 20 year professional basketball career in the spring of 2000. James established The Donaldson Clinic in (January 1990 – 2018) (shortly after a career threatening knee injury) with an idea that he would eventually become a physical therapist. He is a strong advocate for Women & Minority owned businesses and is very involved with various Chambers of Commerce. He understands what it takes to sustain a strong business environment that is conducive to the success of businesses overall.
James is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the N.B.A. with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks and Utah Jazz. He also played for several in Spain, Italy and Greece of the European Leagues plus toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an N.B.A. All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac – 10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame.
He now devotes the majority of his time to various community activities, and toward the Gift of Life Foundation, speaking on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, youth groups and is the author of the published “Standing Above the Crowd” of which you can learn more about at www.standingabovethecrowd.com and is available for sale now.
In 2021, James published Celebrating Your Gift of Life: From the Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy. www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com
James is a 40+ year resident of Seattle. He believes in being a role model of success and professionalism for the scores of young people that he devotes so much of his time to. He currently serves on several Boards and/or committees and is a member of many organizations. (Please see complete listing on back)
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win – Win” environment for everyone involved, and being the best he can be!
