When life is all getting a bit hectic and you can’t seem to find a moment to yourself, it’s important to take a step back and remember those peaceful moments. That’s why, this month, we’re taking time to participate in ‘World Meditation Day’.
Held on the 21st May every year, the day is celebrated to raise awareness about meditation and its benefits, especially in our busy world of constant movement.
Did you know that meditation itself is a practice that has been traced to ancient times, as far back as 3000 B.C.!
So, what is the point of meditation? What are the benefits?
It reduces stress – Stress is a normal response to certain situations. However, feeling stressed regularly can cause serious problems. The breathing exercises conducted whilst meditating can reduce blood pressure and lower stress levels, calming the mind and giving the body time to recover from periods of prolonged stress.
It reduces distractions – Practicing meditation and mindfulness encourages you to think about the present, to live in the current moment and to dismiss distractions, helping you to remain focused.
It helps with anxiety – Anxiety remains one of the leading mental health conditions. Meditation is one of the most common holistic ways to treat the symptoms of anxiety, helping individuals to slow their heart rate, control harmful thoughts and prevent anxiety episodes.
Never meditated before and wondering how you would even begin? One of the best things about meditation is that anyone can do it, from anywhere! Whether you’re seated, standing, lying in bed or sitting in the bath, simply close your eyes, focus on taking deep breaths in and out and allow your mind to empty of thoughts. If thoughts pop up, simply acknowledge them and wave them on their way. Continue to breathe deeply and use your breathing to deepen your inner sense of calm, until you are ready to open your eyes and continue with your day.
Here are six ideas for how you can participate:
- Try something related to meditation (like yoga)
- Do a meditation challenge
- Try a new meditation technique
- Join a group meditation
- Download a mindfulness app
Some studies have already proven that certain fragrances have the ability to soothe stress and facilitate relaxation - here are six of the most calming scents to help you relax after a long, stressful day.
1. Lavender
Lavender is among the loveliest fragrances known for helping lessen emotional stress and calming your nerves. This scent has a soothing effect that can relieve nervous tension, minimise depression, and ease headaches and migraines. If you are suffering from insomnia or simply having a hard time falling asleep, smelling this scent can also help you drift off to sleep more easily.
2. Jasmine
Like lavender, jasmine is also a great scent for calming the nerves and reducing depression. Its natural uplifting capabilities produce feelings of confidence and optimism while revitalising your energy. Moreover, this fragrance can improve your sleep quality as it has some relaxing properties and antispasmodic qualities. For those busy studying or working, the jasmine scent can also help improve concentration.
3. Rosemary
Speaking of studying or working, putting a rosemary-scented candle or florals on your desk is highly recommended since this scent can help enhance your focus and memory retention. Aside from this, rosemary is known for having some stimulating properties that combat headaches, physical exhaustion, and mental fatigue. You can also use it topically to ease muscular aches and pains.
4. Lemon
Like jasmine and rosemary, lemon also promotes better concentration and has relaxing and clarifying properties that can help you calm down whenever you feel anxious, angry, or depressed. Furthermore, lemon has some antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help you get rid of colds and sore throats by boosting your immune system and enhancing blood circulation. Thus, you can count on lemon to reduce your stress and anxiety with just a sniff
5. Cinnamon
Are you experiencing mental fatigue and having difficulty focusing on your tasks? If the answer is yes, the cinnamon scent can help solve your problems This scent has stimulating properties that help you suppress mental exhaustion and improve concentration. In addition, the fragrance of cinnamon has the ability to relax your muscles and remove the tension from your body. Hence, you can count on cinnamon to improve your sleep quality.
6. Ylang ylang
Ylang ylang is a popular healing scent due to its health-enhancing characteristics and soothing properties. This fragrance has been found to help treat problems of anxiety, depression, palpitations, and high blood pressure. It is also known for being a natural sedative, as it can help you fall asleep faster and significantly lower your stress levels. Due to its linalool content, ylang ylang is considered antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory.
How will you be spending World Meditation Day?