Self-isolation has changed the way we conduct our lives causing anxiousness, uncertainty and stress. For many of us lockdown is new and a bolt out of blue. As we live in self-isolation have you ever wondered that there are individuals who voluntarily embrace self-isolation?
Self-Isolation is regularly practised by meditators, call them monks or a layperson who prefers going to silent retreats. Though there are tangible differences between self-isolated lockdown and meditation retreats, in tough times like CODID-19, there is a lot to learn from linking the two.
Stability in the Face of Adversity
Mental health specialists recommend meditation to learn to deal better with uncertain and negative thoughts. Regular meditation practices can reduce the stress of self-isolation by helping us to be more aware of what is happening and empowering us to respond skilfully, rather react with stress.
If we learn to meditate in these tough uncertain times, it can tremendously help us with stability in the face of adversity. If you are wondering why should I meditate? Here are three reasons to do so:
- Boost your Immune System.
Coronavirus is a highly infectious disease, and meditation can be helpful to relieve the stress surrounding the deadly infection. However, several studies point out that meditation may be able to strengthen the immune system by positively impacting the genes involved with the infectious cycle.
Using regular self-hypnosis as a relaxation technique has shown positive effects on the Lymphocytes which is a type of white blood cell helping produce antibodies which may destroy cells causing damage. Meditation has a knock-on effect in improving the immune system, and its capacity to reduce stress levels is well-proven, since stress is associated with a diminished immune response.
- Help in relieving Anxiety.
Meditation and Yoga has a proven track record to help alleviate and manage anxiety. Not only does silent Meditation help to reduce stress levels with its ability to potentially improve the immune system, besides it also helps people manage their increased levels of anxiety which comes from hearing the COVID-19 news and dealing with uncertainty that surrounds a pandemic like a coronavirus.
Mindfulness meditation involves staying in the present moment, without dwelling on the past or the future, and accepting your feelings and emotions as perfectly valid. This is in vast contrast to getting caught up in worries about what may or may not happen during this pandemic.
- Help to improve Emotional Well-being.
Coronavirus bought an unprecedented uncertainty into the world, we all are caught in a lockdown, worrying about socially distancing ourselves from loved ones, finances and feeling concerned about contracting the infectious virus. Meditation goes a long way in improving our emotional health and can help to manage depression exacerbated by stress.
How to Get Started with Mediation?
Meditation and yoga have traditionally shown a calming and soothing effect. Here is how you can get started with Meditation-
- Patience
In the beginning, be patient with yourself. Meditation and Yoga does not come easy, training the brain is like training any other muscle, you cannot achieve 100% on day one. The clue is to be patient and understand yourself and your mind.
- Short spells
If you are a new practitioner, keep it short and simple when you start to practice. Meditation needs a calm mind and yoga demands flexibility. Keep it short and practice the way your body responds to. Be regular in your practice, try short bursts and subsequently build up stamina and dedication as you progress in your meditation sessions.
- Be Regular
Be regular in your practice, set your meditation on a regular time of the day. Meditation is more of a habit, and you will gain more if you implement on a specific time of the day and incorporate it into your daily life.
- Enjoy the Routine
Make your meditation and yoga enjoyable. Meditation is a fun way to be fit and calm. Play some relaxing music and enjoy your practice.
You can practice Yoga, a soothing mind-body practise combining meditation, relaxation with physical poses and controlled breathing. If you are still stressed about Coronavirus uncertainty, consider consulting a specialist to reduce stress.
Stay Healthy, Be Safe.
