Do you meditate regularly? If your answer is no, then consider making time & prioritizing 10-20 min per day to be completely present.

Meditation is a powerful practice that can help you reduce stress, improve your mental and physical health, and increase your overall well-being. With the increasing demands of modern life, meditation has become more important than ever. And let's face it, we could all use a little bit of "om" in our lives, especially during tax season.

One of the best things about meditation is that it doesn't require any special equipment or a lot of time. All you need is a quiet space and a few minutes each day. If you're new to meditation, there are a few things you can do to get started:

First, find a quiet space where you won't be disturbed. This could be a spare room in your house, a quiet corner of your office, or even your car (just make sure it's parked!). Once you have your space, find a comfortable position to sit or lie down in. You don't need to contort yourself into a pretzel, just find a position that feels comfortable and allows you to relax.
Next, focus on your breath. Take a few deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Then, allow your breath to return to its natural rhythm. As you inhale, focus on the sensation of the air entering your nose and filling your lungs. As you exhale, focus on the sensation of the air leaving your lungs and exiting your nose.
If your mind starts to wander (and it will), don't worry. It's normal for your mind to wander during meditation. When you notice your mind wandering, simply bring your attention back to your breath. You may need to do this a hundred times during a meditation session, and that's okay. The practice is in the returning of your focus, not in the absence of thoughts.

Now, let's talk about frequency. How often should you meditate? The answer to that question depends on you. Some people meditate every day, while others meditate a few times a week. The most important thing is to be consistent. Find a schedule that works for you and stick to it. Even if you only have a few minutes a day to meditate, it can still make a difference in your life.

But how does meditation work? When we meditate, we activate the relaxation response in our bodies. This response is the opposite of the stress response, which is activated when we're under stress (like during tax season). The relaxation response helps to reduce stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can have a positive impact on our physical and mental health. When our bodies release cortisol, it can lead to a number of health problems over time, including anxiety, depression, and even weight gain. By reducing cortisol levels through meditation, we can help protect our bodies from these negative effects.

In conclusion, meditation is a powerful practice that can help reduce stress, improve mental and physical health, and increase overall well-being. To get started, find a quiet space, focus on your breath, and be consistent with your practice. At Revive Bodywork, we have guided meditation classes and workshops. But if you just need a quiet space and a cushion, feel free to drop by, sit in our yoga loft, and cool off anytime there’s not a class in session.