In this course we have learned about various exercises which help to improve our mental fitness (Loving-kindness, subtle mind, visualization, and meditation). Out of these the two that I have found most beneficial are the visualization and meditation. I had trouble staying focused when it comes to the subtle mind and the loving-kindness exercises. I try to use a form of meditation, known as prayer. There for a while I was very dedicated to praying on a daily basis, and I seemed to have such a bright outlook even when stressful times occured. Prayer is a great way to improve your spirituality and your mental health. When we have a higher being to look to we maintain a sense of hope which keeps us from becoming sad and depressed. I really enjoyed visualization when speaking of nature, because nature really relaxes me. I love camping and hiking which help me to be able to visualize nature. The peace and tranquility that nature gives you can help you to move from a depressive state to a more manic state very quickly. I love to look at the clouds when laying on a blanket or think about the birds singing during a sunny spring day. I also love to listen to the crickets around a pond on a warm summer evening. These are sounds that can calm the most frustrated mind.
I find that it doesn't take but a few minutes to perform either of these forms of mindfulness. Meditation and visualization work well in any environment, but is best practiced in a quiet and relaxed environment.
I have used visualization and deep breathing to lower my blood pressure at the doctor's office, since I have white coat syndrome. I always am asked if I have high blood pressure because I am borderline hypertensive when my doctor sees me. I never have high blood pressure.
Other ways you can meditate are to remove yourself from the noisy environment and just close your eyes and stop thinking completely. This helps me when I become overwhelmed at work and only have a few minutes to take a break.
We have to understand simple ways to reduce our stress levels to be healthy is the world today due to its chaotic pace and techology.
Tracy
A funny thought just crossed my mind. I just performed both meditation and visualization in answering my blog question for the week. Never has a class assignment allowed me to feel more relaxed.
ReplyDeleteTracy,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing! I have white coat syndrome too but when I take my blood pressure at home or anywhere else, it is great. I found it relaxing just reading your description of visualization and being outdoors. It is important to enjoy the beauty of the world around us. I have prayed before but do not do so regularly. I am not a very religious person but I do believe in a higher being and that has helped me in tough times and in good times. I have never incorporated prayer into my daily routine but I think it may be beneficial for me. I did struggle with a few of the mental fitness exercises as well, but also found benefit in some. Though it was not one of my favorites, the loving-kindness exercise is one I think I will try to incorporate now and again. It helped me focus on being a good person and not being self-centered. Though I do not think I am and have never been accused of being self-centered, it is one of my biggest fears. I think prayer would help me with that as well. Good luck in your continued journey for health and reduced stress!