Meditation Good For Mind And Body

(CARLSBAD, CA) - So much of our attention is outwardly focused. We concentrate on where we need to go, what people around us are doing, how we look and what tasks we need to accomplish. We are preoccupied with thoughts of the past and future, rarely fully aware of the present moment – of what’s happening right here, right now.

Our over stimulated, face-paced lifestyles take a toll emotionally and physically, which may explain the growing interest in meditation. Recent research indicates that regular meditation may actually have the power to increase our positive emotions while also improving our health.

A study by researchers at the University of Wisconsin found that individuals who practiced mindful meditation techniques for eight weeks (45 minutes a day at home and three hours a week with an instructor) increased activity in the left prefrontal cortex of the brain – the center for emotional happiness and well being.

When given a flu vaccine, these same subjects produced more germ-fighting anti-bodies than control subjects who did not practice meditation. So meditation appears to boost immunity as well.

In addition, meditation influences just about every major stress symptom, from tense muscles to elevated stress hormones to blood pressure and heart rate. Meditation has been credited with improving concentration and creativity as well as stabilizing a person’s moods.

Still, many people are intimidated by the thought of actually sitting down and attempting to meditate for 15 to 20 minutes. As with most healthful disciplines, practice makes perfect. Beginners may find it helpful to attend a meditation class at a local hospital, health center or yoga studio, but you can also give it a try on your own using the following tips recommended by Jazzercise founder Judi Sheppard Missett:

— Start with five minutes a day and build to 15 to 20. The key here is to create a daily habit first, then increase the time spent meditating.

— Find a quiet, relaxing spot where you won’t be interrupted by the telephone, television or your children.

• Sit on a chair or on the floor, preferably without back support.

• Close your eyes or gaze downward at a focal point.

• Breathe through your nose and concentrate on each breath as you inhale and exhale.

—  Let your thoughts come and go, but when you become aware that your mind has wandered, refocus on your breathing to stay “in the moment”. (Contrary to popular belief, your mind does not have to be blank for meditation to be successful, but you don’t want to stay entrenched in any one particular thought for an extended period of time.)

— If necessary, count your breaths or use a mantra (a repeated word or phrase) to stay focused on the present moment.

Some people find it helpful to do some relaxation exercises to calm and center themselves before beginning to meditate. Try the following stretch to relax and lengthen the muscles of your back, hips, and shoulders.  Begin by kneeling in an all-fours position on an exercise mat or other padded surface.  Place your hands under your shoulders and line your knees up under your hips.  Slowly sit back on your heels, keeping your arms outstretched in front of you.  Allow your head to rest on the mat so you can relax your neck, and try to allow all of your muscles to release and relax in this position.  Breathe naturally and hold the position for 30 to 60 seconds.  Repeat as desired whenever you need to do de-stress or unwind.

Jazzercise, created by Judi Sheppard Missett, is the world's leading dance-fitness program with more than 6,800 instructors teaching 30,000 classes weekly in the U.S. and around the globe. Since 1969, millions of people of all ages and fitness levels have reaped the benefits of this comprehensive program, designed to enhance cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility. For more information on Jazzercise go to jazzercise.com or call (800)FIT-IS-IT or (760)476-1750.

Courtesy of Jazzercise, Inc. - jazzercise.com