At work, and sometimes even at home, we can find ourselves feeling the effects of stress on our lives. When stress accumulates, it can become a heavy burden that can negatively affect our mental health, which affects every facet of our lives.
It’s important, then, to remember that sometimes we need to work to unwind from that stress and center ourselves.
It is with that in mind that in this week’s Feel Good Friday, we will observe five different types of meditation and how they can attribute to positive mental health.
1. Mindfulness meditation
In mindfulness meditation, you pay attention to your thoughts as they pass through your mind. You do not give the thoughts a positive or negative judgment, you just observe them as they pass through.
This practice combines concentration with awareness.
2. Spiritual meditation
It’s similar to prayer in that you reflect on the silence around you and seek a deeper connection with your God or the Universe.
Spiritual meditation can be practiced at home or in a place of worship. This practice is beneficial for those who have access to silent environments and are also seeking spiritual growth.
3. Focused meditation
Focused meditation involves concentration using any of the five senses.
For instance, you can focus on your breath or something external like a potted plant or poster you have on your wall.
This meditation is geared towards those seeking additional focus in their lives.
4. Movement meditation
Although most people think of yoga when they hear movement meditation, this practice may include walking through the woods, gardening, qigong, and other gentle forms of motion.
It’s an active form of meditation where the movement guides you.
Movement meditation is good for people who find peace in action and prefer to let their minds wander.
5. Mantra meditation
Many might think of this meditation when they think of the practice, especially the chant that comes with it (the cliche “ohm.”)
Some people enjoy mantra meditation because they find it easier to focus on a word than on their breath. This is also a good practice for people who don’t like silence and enjoy repetition.
For additional meditation techniques, click here.