Written by: Priyanka Tiku Gupta, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Do you have a lot on your plate? Are you feeling stressed and overwhelmed? If so, you're not alone. Many corporates and entrepreneurs feel the same way. But there is something you can do to help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being: meditate.
Meditation is a simple practice that can be done for just a few minutes each day. Studies have shown that meditation can help to:
Reduce stress
Improve focus and concentration
Boost creativity
Improve sleep
Reduce pain
Increase self-awareness
Improve relationships
5 Ways To Meditate In 5 Minutes
If you're new to meditation, don't worry. It's not as difficult as it may seem. And you don't need to spend hours each day meditating to reap the benefits, and even a few minutes a day can make a difference.
1. Breathing Meditation Using Box Breathing
Box breathing is a simple yet powerful technique that helps calm the mind and regulate your body's stress response. Here's how you can practice it. Find a comfortable position and relax your body. Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of four, allowing your abdomen to expand. Hold your breath for a count of four. Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of four, emptying your lungs. Hold your breath again for a count of four. Repeat this cycle for a few minutes, focusing on the sensation of your breath.
2. Body Scan Meditation
This Meditation helps you to become more aware of your body and its sensations. Start by sitting in a comfortable position and closing your eyes. Start from the top of your head and slowly move your focus down through your body, noticing any areas of tension or discomfort. As you identify areas of tension, consciously release them, allowing your muscles to relax and your body to sink into a state of calmness. Continue this scan, moving from your head to your toes, spending a few moments on each body part.
3. Mindful Observation
This type of Meditation involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. Find a quiet spot and follow these steps. Choose an object within your surroundings, such as a flower, a candle flame, or a painting. Observe the object intently, paying attention to its shape, color, texture, and other details. Notice your thoughts and emotions as they arise, without judgment, and gently bring your attention back to the object whenever your mind wanders. Engage all your senses in this observation, exploring the object as if seeing it for the first time. Practice this exercise for a few minutes, fully immersing yourself in the present moment.
4. Visualization Meditation
This type of Meditation involves creating a mental image of something peaceful or relaxing. You can visualize a beach, a forest, or any other place that you find calming. As you visualize this place, focus on the positive emotions that it evokes. Engage your senses and vividly imagine this place's sights, sounds, and smells. Allow yourself to fully immerse in the experience, breathing deeply and letting go of any tension or worries. Guided visualization can help you relax, rejuvenate, and gain a fresh perspective on your work
5. Gratitude Meditation
Amid a hectic schedule, taking a moment to cultivate gratitude is essential. Find a quiet space, sit comfortably, and close your eyes. Begin by reflecting on three things you are grateful for in your life. It can be as simple as the support of loved ones, the opportunities you have, or the progress you've made. As you bring these things to mind, let gratitude fill your heart. Take a few deep breaths, allowing this gratitude to permeate your being. This practice can shift your mindset, increase positivity, and infuse your day with a renewed sense of purpose.
Bonus Tip: Try Heart Focussed Breathing
You can do this with your eyes closed or open. Focus your attention on the area of your heart or chest, imagine your breathe is flowing in and out of your heart or chest area. Breathing slightly slower and deeper than usual. As a suggestion inhale to the count of 5 and exhale to the count of 5. Try this for few minutes. If you would like a complimentary audio file of this meditation, download using this link.
So what are you waiting for? Give Meditation a try today. You may be surprised at how much it can help reduce stress, improve focus, and boost your overall well-being.
Priyanka Tiku Gupta, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Priyanka Tiku Gupta is a multifaceted, internationally certified performance coach, an emotional wellness practitioner, and a founder of her wellness organization PTG Wellness. After 20 years of media and marketing experience, she took her 1st ever career break. Being ambitious, she pursued her passion for empowering people in her break, leading her to her personal development journey. She is now on a mission to drive the belief that life doesn't happen to us and that we can create the life we desire. She believes we all have this inner critical voice, yet there is a way to change that voice to your best friend.
She has 500+ hours of coaching and healing over 75 clients across Asia, the UK, Europe, Australia & the Middle East. She strives to take her clients on a transformational journey where they learn how to unleash their true potential by tapping into their inside voice as their unique superpower.
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