How Meditation May Keep Your Heart Happy
By Sandy Schroeder
In a fast-paced world, slowing down and breathing a little could be the difference between thriving or winding up in ER with heart issues. No, it’s not really that cut and dried. There are a lot of good or bad steps in between, but most of us understand the need to take breaks and pause to keep the heart healthy so we can run faster when we want to.
Pausing with Meditation
One way to pause to keep the heart healthy is the traditional mind-calming practice of meditation, according to the American Heart Association in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Harvard Health focused on this issue recently saying meditation may lower our risk for heart disease, anxiety, depression, sleeplessness and high blood pressure. It may be a way to stop smoking, too. On top of all of this, there is no cost, and it’s totally flexible, letting you meditate wherever you are.
How to Begin
There are many ways to meditate. You can take a class in a community center, visit a yoga studio or learn more with online videos.
Overall, meditation is a simple focus, as you find somewhere quiet to sit, close your eyes, and concentrate on your breathing, an object, or a phrase or word known as a mantra. Here are a few popular approaches.
Mindfulness meditation - You focus on the present moment as you let the thoughts of your mind stream by unchecked, unjudged. This works for me on my patio as I watch the breeze ruffle the leaves. Later I find I'm thinking more clearly and feeling more relaxed. You may want to read more about it or take a class.
Yoga – To begin, you might observe a class and talk to a certified yoga instructor. Taking a class in a studio or in a community setting will help you safely learn the poses. Balance of mind and body and stress erasures can be life-changing benefits of yoga. As you learn more, you may find yourself using your yoga mat wherever you are. (Before you start, check with your doctor for approval.)
Moving meditations – Many people believe walking alone in a park or by the water can be another way to meditate. The simple act of taking one step after another may help you siphon off stress and clear your head.
If this sounds like something you need to keep your heart happy and free from stress, start exploring what’s out there. As always, if you are considering new exercises such as yoga or more walking, check with your doctor first.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Greenville, S.C.