Meditation seems to have arrived in the mainstream of late, and for good reasons. As reported in a 2004 issue of Time Magazine -- brain imaging shows that meditation actually shifts your brain's activity from the right side of your brain, over to the left side.
So what?
Such a shift calms your brain's often overworked "rational thinking center," and reduces the stress response.
This shift of activity to the left side of the brain immediately allows you to be less stressed -- and almost instantly far more relaxed and mentally focused.
The following is a quick and easy seated meditation for rapid stress reduction, relaxed alertness, greatly increased energy and mental clarity. You'll also get an easy boost toward healthy longevity.
This simple exercise takes advantage of the direct connection of your eyes to the optic nerve -- which is a direct pathway to the higher thinking centers of your brain.
The resulting "message" tells your mind to unwind and release stress. The measurable *net result* is an instant increase in your slower alpha and theta brainwaves -- the meditation secret to calm mental awareness. This is also a great way to instantly drop your blood pressure, and often also seems to have the effect of easing tension headaches.
Just follow these simple steps to quickly bust your stress:
1. Sit upright in a comfortable chair, keeping your spine as straight as comfortable. (Don't force it.)
2. Position your feet flat on the floor.
3. Allow your eyes to gaze comfortably downward.
4. Soften your focus, and don't "look" at anything in particular.
5. Keep your eyes open, but allow your eyelids to "droop"as far down as comfortable (don't force them to drop lower).
6. Continue to gaze downward, focusing on nothing in particular.
7. Gently notice that your breathing has become very regular and comfortable.
8. Don't resist if your attention begins to drift. Just allow yourself to soften your focus and remain calm.
9. If your eyes want to close, let them do so.
10. Maintain your meditation for as long as you wish.
End your meditation with two or three mentally-energizing deep, slow breaths.
? 2004 All Rights Reserved
The author, Dr Jill Ammon-Wexler, is a doctor of psychology, pioneer brain/mind researcher, and former advisor to the Pentagon, a Presidential Commission, and numerous top executives and executive teams. The author of several books and hundreds of articles, she is also the co-founder of quantum-self.com, and the Creative Director of the Self Discovery Community. She can be reached at: drjill@quantum-self.com
Come visit the exciting Self Discovery Community. Discover the most interesting, unusual, stimulating and creative methods of self discovery on the web today! Free sizzling weekly ezine, and the web's first Brain Gym ezone. drjill@quantum-self.com
eco-friendly cleaning service Bannockburn ..26 ways to minimize and manage the unhealthy effects of... Read More
Whenever we think of 'stress', negative thoughts come into our... Read More
Workers across America will tell you that stresslevels are increasing.... Read More
Where does stress really come from? Is there any simple... Read More
If you are an anxiety and panic sufferer, then you've... Read More
Work stress has become a major problem today. The nature... Read More
Traffic jams. Toddler tantrums. Deadlines at work. Money troubles. Too... Read More
Most humans experience unexpected setbacks which can cause huge stress... Read More
Stress seems to have become a constant factor in today's... Read More
Is your in-tray or inbox full? I don't normally check... Read More
It was one of the first words you learned to... Read More
Imagine going through your whole life in the constant fear... Read More
Q. So many times in my life, I seem to... Read More
The best way to reduce your stress is to really... Read More
Do you ever feel stressed? Is stress a regular component... Read More
One of my favorite stories about change is the story... Read More
Looking for mindfulness? Who ya gonna call?Try dialing M.It's easy... Read More
* The material presented in this article is provided for... Read More
As we celebrate yet another Labor Day, I thought it... Read More
"Slow down, you move too fast, you've got to make... Read More
All people experience stress and anxiety in one form or... Read More
Did you know that taking a short trip, such as... Read More
I hear from many people that they see ever increasing... Read More
Stress is often seen as being unhealthy, but for some... Read More
No this is not related to praying, this is how... Read More
cleaning lady near Lincolnshire ..But how can this happen to someone?Let's concentrate on how... Read More
Are You Too Stressed?Is your stomach all tied up in... Read More
Meditation seems to have arrived in the mainstream of late,... Read More
Who hasn't experienced "worry" at one time or another? Almost... Read More
ResentmentsA wise friend once said that holding onto resentments is... Read More
Why is it that some people become totally stressed when... Read More
Recently the well known American news anchor Peter Jennings died... Read More
Do you have stress in your life?......I know you answered... Read More
We are not designed for long term stress.It causes us... Read More
In our article about Exercise & Stress, we looked at... Read More
In his book, The 22 Non-Negotiable Laws of Wellness, author... Read More
There is good stress, and there is bad stress. Good... Read More
Today's workplace produces plenty of stress. Life's little hassles mount... Read More
Meditation, relaxation and visualisation are the standard recommendations for reducing... Read More
So many of us live a stressful life. Unfortunately, when... Read More
Have you ever considered sewing a handbag as an act... Read More
10 Ways to Monitor Corporate Stress LevelsGood military leaders work... Read More
Every woman needs her own personal space for relaxation, not... Read More
WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYSExperts in the stress management field have... Read More
What do you think of when you see that word?... Read More
"One day I'm a mother, One day I'm a lover,... Read More
Is your in-tray or inbox full? I don't normally check... Read More
1. Determine your "unique ability" and capitalize on itDelegate the... Read More
Stress ReliefStress is a big business in Western society. We... Read More
A grandfather, whose grandson came to him angry at a... Read More
Stress Management |