March 5, 2024
Simple way to start meditating. Known to be good for reducing stress, a report from China has identified it is good for gut.
Mental health issues are such a hot topic for all generations, and we wouldn’t try to offer any therapy for those who suffer from the most common concern – depression.
Having had a son who suffered from depression for over 18 months and based on his experience I wouldn’t automatically advocate therapy or medicine. He refused both and, interestingly, it was an event (attending a festival organised by a friend) that turned him around. Amongst the young, social media has much to answer for because it often presents a completely unrealistic view of life and by that, I mean posting about a wonderful experience/life.
It becomes seductive to think that the lives of others is so much better than our own.
For those who are concerned about their wellbeing I would suggest taking professional advice. For those more interested generally, it is recognised that there are five ways to wellbeing – Connect – Be Active – Be Curious – Keep Learning – Give. All hopefully self-explanatory.
“Give” is interesting whether it’s volunteering time, doing a selfless act, volunteering or joining a community group.
A few years ago, I decided on a New Years resolution (something I rarely do) which was to a do a daily random act of kindness for a month. It could be very trivial, opening a door for someone or rather more such as on my way to work I always passed a homeless person taking shelter outside the local cinema. Noticing that his socks were in a bad state of repair, I bought him a pair. Most days I would search for an act to do and I think by the end of the month instinctive acts of kindness became far more common.
If it’s something that interests you, we have a post on Random Acts of Kindness
In our podcast section, there is a series called Sideways hosted by journalist Mathew Syed where he explores ideas that shape our lives. I was struck by one titled “My Last 5p”.
It tells the story of a woman living on her own and on benefits who one Christmas was short 5p to feed her meter and thus guarantee electricity during the holiday. She searched her flat to see if she could find 5p but to no avail. She decided to go to her local shop to see if the owner would lend her 5p and when crossing a car park, she met a homeless man and got into conversation. When she mentioned what she was doing, he searched in his pockets and found one coin – 5p, which he gave to her.
That act of generosity had far reaching consequences, but I won’t give the game away in case you want to listen to the podcast.
The point is one generous act can lead to another, even something as simple as a smile can lead to the recipient giving someone else a smile.
In the exercise section there is conclusive proof that physical activity is very beneficial for the mind.
Meditation
There is growing evidence, supported by research from China, that those who meditate have healthier gut bacteria than others on the same diet who don’t meditate. A benefit not normally associated with meditation.
More common is the belief that mediation reduces stress and anxiety and improves the ability to focus. Perhaps we are more prone to stress and distraction than used to be the case. There are three key measures to how we respond to stress. Firstly, how often do we get upset? Secondly how deeply upset we get? And thirdly, how quickly we recover from the peak of that upset? That is where meditation helps.
Here is a simple way to start.
Remember, meditation is a skill that gets better with practice. Don’t worry about doing it perfectly; it’s all about the journey. Obviously, there is more to meditation than these steps and if you want to find out more there’s likely to be local sessions or visit mindful.org
You may also be interested in our post on ways to improve wellbeing.
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