Meditate your way to better health

Meditation is not something that is just for Buddhist monks or new-age hippies. It's a practice that can benefit in many ways absolutely everyone from non-exerciser to yogi to pro athlete! The newest and greatest addition to creating a balanced training regimen is the implementation of meditation, or a mind training program! There are many ways your sports, races, workouts or even hectic life will benefit from a routine of meditation.

Photo: Contributed

There are many different ways to meditate.  Using the visualization technique during meditation is one of the easiest ways to achieve a successful relaxation! Visualization will make it easier to stay in your meditation without having your mind wander as frequently and will also have you stay connected to the body. When your mind focuses on a particular part of the body, the blood flow to that part increases and cells receive more oxygen and other nutrients in abundance. Athletes can especially benefit by visualizing themselves accomplishing their goals or winning their game!

Other rewarding benefits of meditation include:

• Decreases muscle tension (any pain due to tension) and headaches.
• Lowers oxygen consumption, it decreases your respiratory rate increasing blood flow and slows the heart rate leading to a deeper level of relaxation.
• Reduces anxiety attacks by lowering the levels of blood lactate.
• Increases serotonin production which influences mood and behaviour. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression, obesity, insomnia and headaches.
• Enhances the immune system; helps in post-operative healing.
• Meditation is a great way to sharpen your mental capacity for concentration and clarity.

Finding the proper meditation style that will allow you to reap the benefits is essential for you to stay committed! The easiest way to find a style that works for you is to go onto Youtube guided meditations and simply follow along in a relaxing meditation of your choice, or join a meditation class. Make a goal to stay committed long enough to notice the many great benefits allowing for you to make this a part of your routine!

If you have any questions, comments, topic ideas or personal training enquiry’s contact Kasie @ 250-859-2431.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.