There are many ways people define “Meditation”. Some says that it is a practice that involves getting to know more your body or a way to relax the body and the mind. Whatever your definition meditation may be, we cannot deny the fact that there are proven helpful benefits from it such as – happiness.
Meditation
There are many definitions of meditation. Meditation is a training of oneself by increasing your awareness and focus leading to a better and healthier self. The goal of meditation is to heighten the state of awareness of a person and their focus.
Meditation has been practiced by many cultures all over the world for years such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Christian and even Islam. They have their own way of practicing meditation which they often relate with their religion. While meditation was first used for religious practices, many of the people now practice it independently and away from any spiritual or religious relief. Meditation became their psychotherapy that helps calm their body and mind.
5 Ways Meditation Makes Us Happy
People, by nature, are in constant pursuit of happiness. Who would want to be happy? Let’s see how meditation might contribute to this pursuit:
1. Good Night’s Sleep
Meditation and mindfulness helps a person sleep better. It serves as a relaxation exercise that gives the body the peace and quiet that it needs bringing inner healing. When done a few minutes prior to sleeping, meditation helps reduce insomnia and sleeping problems giving you a good night’s sleep. The longer you sleep throughout the night, the more energy you’ll have in the morning which will lead to a more productive day. Happiness is not only gained through material things, as simple as a good night’s sleep will increase your happy hormone.
2. Better Memory
Meditation and mindfulness involve the mind in practicing it. One study found that people who are practicing mindfulness meditation performed better on memory task. There were also signs that their hippocampus, the part of brain responsible for learning and memory, was proven to have increased in volume too. Another study also found that meditation improves short-term memory and focus. A good working memory is one secret in to achieving a successful career as it makes a person optimistic and confident.
3. Develops your Creativity
Mindfulness meditation is a great training in improving a person’s creativity. Since meditation works with the mind, it has known effects on the brain by reducing its reactivity, increasing resiliency and makes your neocortex work so much better. Meditation has a long-lasting effect on human’s cognition abilities which makes it possible for us to conceive even better ideas. Everyday creative endeavors make way for a positive mood and happier day.
4. Healthier Body
Although meditation mainly affects the mind, it has certain effects on the body too. Meditation has many health benefits such as relieving anxiety, pain, and depression. It also improves the body’s sympathetic nervous system by increasing the heart rate, blood pressure and breathing within normal levels in times of stressful situations. A healthier body leads to a healthier outlook in life.
5. Greater Happiness
They say that meditation and mindfulness is one of the secrets to achieving happiness. Practicing meditation was proven to help people get in to know their feelings and over time increase their level of happiness too. They become more optimistic in life and feels good about themselves. Meditation increases the happiness chemicals of the brain such as endorphins and serotonin while reducing the negativities.
Happiness Meditation
You don’t need to work so hard to achieve happiness. Happiness does not need to be expensive. Let meditation lead your way towards happiness. We prepared a happiness meditation just for you way.
1. Get comfortable by sitting on a chair or mat, wherever you prefer, then close your eyes. Be aware of your breathing pattern. Breathe slowly and deeply. Let your breathing relax your body and remove all the tension when exhaling.
2. Find your way to a stillness, a quiet place where you can focus on your being. Relax your body and let your mind be in a calm state. Welcome peace in your body and mind.
3. Recall an experience that is memorable for you. It might be something happy or not. Welcome the image of that experience on your mind. Try to remember even the simplest detail. While doing so, try to recall what was happening during that time. Where were you? Are you alone or with other people? What different sounds did you hear? What were you feeling in that exact moment? Let these sensations and emotions overwhelm your body and mind. Breathe in all of these experience and feelings.
Try to do this exercise every day or a few times a week. Practicing this will improve your state of mind and will bring you more happiness in life.