Mental Health: 5 – Meditation

This week’s response focuses on meditation and mindfulness as a tool used to relax and allow feelings of stress and anxiety to fade.

“I recently began watching a series on Netflix called ‘Headspace Guide to Meditation’ and I have found it brilliant. It takes you through certain aspects of life such as dealing with stress, how to be kind, etc., and then leads you through a guided meditation at the end of each episode. I am now able to meditate myself and do so regularly. Over the lockdown, I have often felt sad and stressed but since I began meditating I do not feel that way as often. When there is noise in my head and I’m panicking about the college work I need to do, the run I have to do, the phone call I have to make and so on and so on – I just stop. I sit down for twenty minutes and relax. I focus on my breathing and forget about everything else. I may go back and watch an episode of headspace or I may look up a new technique.

After doing this, I feel much better. I have stopped my mind racing and controlled my breathing and all of a sudden I am able to identify a set of goals for the day and not a flurry of burdens bearing down on me.

The benefits of meditation are largely recognised and have been proven in many studies. It reduces cortisol in your body – the stress hormone. It promotes concentration and focus. In many studies it has been shown to improve self-esteem through self-reflection. We recognise our own thoughts and feelings without judgement, which makes us feel better about ourselves. It lowers the level of anxiety and depression because it teaches one to focus on the moment and to let go of the past. It can even aid in breaking addiction and controlling pain.

Although I have not experienced all of these benefits I have certainly found my stress levels have gone down and I worry less. I am more productive as well. A lot of people think meditation is stupid – I used to as well! – but it really is worth trying and ‘Headspace’ on Netflix is a good place to start.”

As the response says, there are loads of benefits that have been recognised by science and although meditation will not work for everyone, it might work for you, so try it. As always, it won’t solve all of your problems and it’s okay to feel sad or angry or anxious. Just remember:

Tá laethanta níos gile romhainn.