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.

Chocolate

Chocolates, especially dark chocolates, are known to be loaded with so much nutrients that affects your body positively. Chocolates are made from cocoa tree, which is a great source of antioxidant. Chocolates has different variety but the one that can promise much benefits is the Dark Chocolate.  Chocolates are known to improve a person’s cognitive function and can actually make you feel happier.

Benefits of Chocolate

We often talk about the health benefits of mindfulness, now we get to know how chocolates affect the mind and the body for the better. Here are some proven benefits of eating dark chocolates:

• Makes You Happy – Dark chocolates can boost the production of the endorphins in your brain! “Endorphins” is a chemical released by the brain that is the cause of feelings of happiness and euphoria. Also, endorphins can lower down the pain and alleviate the negative effects of stress that a person is feeling.

• Improves Brain Blood Flow – Improving the blood flow of the brain leads to better memory, attention span, reaction time and problem-solving skills. Also, it can decrease your chances of having mental decline or any brain-related problem in the future.

• Relieves Stress – Everyone hates stress, right? Chocolates reduces your stress level by suppressing the release of Cortisol inside your brain.

• Controls Cravings – Ironic, right? Many people crave for chocolates, but it can also control your cravings! High-quality dark chocolates are known to satiate your appetite and help you make good choices and lose weight. Eating chocolates while losing weight? Not bad.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is quite popular these days because of its accessibility and you don’t need to spend anything to be able to do it. It is also ideal for people who doesn’t have so much time in their hands as you can practice it anytime, and anywhere.  Mindfulness is a term used to refer to a psychological state of awareness. It promotes the awareness of a person through information processing. Meditation practices such as yoga, tai chi and qigong were developed through the practice of mindfulness meditation.

Is Mindfulness Better Than Chocolate?

The answer is YES. Aside from helping you de-stress. Mindfulness has a lot of benefits for you. Starting from your mind, to your body and even your health. Mindfulness covers anything. If you are having difficulty sleeping, practicing mindfulness can make you feel rested. If you are feeling anxious because of something, mindfulness has a way to reduce the anxiety that you are feeling. Mindfulness, if done correctly, is also used in treating people with depression. Lastly, Mindfulness can manage chronic pain and improve a person’s cognition and attention. Mindfulness is so much better than chocolate as it is not only free but you can do it anytime and anywhere!

Chocolate Meditation

You can also try combining the two! Chocolate Meditation is actually a thing. Here’s how you can do it:

• Get a piece of chocolate – Preferably, dark chocolate as it has much benefits than other varieties of chocolates.  You don’t need to take a big chunk of chocolate, bite-sized chocolates are enough.

• Relax your body – Take a few deep breaths and remove the tension on your muscles. It is better to start your meditation as physically relaxed as possible. You may close your eyes for you to feel more comfortable.

• Use your senses – Savor the aroma of the chocolate, take a look at it and see how your taste buds react to the flavor of the chocolates. Let it stay on your tongue and let it melt on your mouth.

• Focus on sensations – As you swallow the chocolate, feel it as it goes down your throat. Notice how your mouth feels empty after. Take a second bite and notice how your arm feels as you raise the chocolate to your mouth.

• Re-focus on the present – If some thoughts start entering your mind, gently re-focus your attention to the flavors and sensations associated with the chocolate. As much as possible, try to enjoy the present moment.

• Savor the feeling – Once you’re done meditating using chocolate, revisit the feeling throughout the day and you will notice that you’ll be more relaxed. Resume your daily activities afterwards and enjoy your day.