Take Some Time to Meditate

With Links to Get Started
by Melissa Marconi, LMSW

​Meditation is a great tool to add to your wellness routine as it can give you a sense of calm, peace, and balance. It can benefit both your emotional well-being and your physical health. Meditation can help you learn to stay centered and keep inner peace.

I have found meditation to be quite helpful in reducing stress, improving physical and depressive symptoms, and alleviating anxiety. It has also helped me become more self aware and develop a better understanding of how I relate to those around me. I noticed that I have gained better focus and clarity and it helps me to foster creativity, especially in the winter months.

I often hear people tell me they don’t have time to meditate or that it is boring and/or doesn't help get rid of negative thoughts. Meditation is not about fighting our thoughts or feelings. It is about the process of noticing our thoughts and accepting them without judgment. I think this is where many of us struggle as we learned that negative thoughts equal bad and positive thoughts equal good. In time, daily practice will help us develop self compassion which allows us to feel a wide range of emotions with less self-criticism. This will then make it easier to let go of thoughts that are holding us back from living a fulfilling life.

Over the years, I have found that I do better when I stick to 5 to 10 minute meditations 1 to 2 times daily but as you explore your own practice, you will find what works for you. If you are new to meditation, trying these short meditations below is a great place to start!

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (6 minutes)
Daily Calm Mindfulness Meditation (10 minutes) 
Chakra Balance (10 minutes)
Body Scan Meditation (5 minutes)
Self Compassion Meditation (5 minutes) 
Self Love (15 minutes)