Note: This post was first published in 2021.
For a while now our team has been participating in a step challenge as part of our wellness program. We know the importance of physical health and wellness, so we engage in a friendly step-count competition each month to get ourselves moving. This year especially, we decided to focus on mental health as well. One team member suggested we try meditation due to the many benefits it provides. Everyone decided to give it a try.
Our meditation week
As an introduction to meditation, we had a weeklong "challenge" with each day consisting of a new technique to follow. There are several types of meditation, all with the same goal of achieving inner calm and peace. We tried the following styles:
Focused Attention
Body Scan
Mindfulness
Loving Kindness
Visualization
Having a sample of techniques was a great way for everyone to find what worked best for them. Some were drawn to the Body Scan technique that involves syncing the mind and body from the top of the head to the end of your toes. Others appreciated the Loving Kindness technique that starts a ripple effect of goodwill and positive energy to ourselves and others. Connecting with a certain style makes it easier to form the habit of meditation over time.
Benefits of meditation
We wanted a way to combat the added stress and anxiety this year has brought, and we knew meditation was one way that could help. Regardless of the technique, research suggests that meditation can provide a number of positive benefits for your mental and physical health. It may allow you to:
Increase self-awareness
Ease stress and anxiety
Focus on the present
Reduce negative emotions
Increase productivity
Give it a try
Meditation takes some practice but does not have to be time-consuming to be effective. We wanted to share some of the guided meditation techniques that we have been using this past year. Below you will find a few, short videos if you would like to give it a try.
Focused Attention (3 min)
Mindfulness (9 min)
Body Scan (5 min)
Visualization (7 min)
Additional resources
There are plenty of resources out there related to meditation, but here are a few from our list that we find useful:
If all else fails, just pause and take three deep breaths!
Written by Annie Lasek, Account Manager, PixelEdge
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