Even post-retirement, life can be overwhelmingly busy. Whether you’re doing the weekly shop, babysitting the grandkids, tending to the garden or filling a volunteer shift, it can be outrageously hard to find time for yourself. It’s easy to simply give in and accept that life is busy. But according to psychologists, treating yourself to just 10 minutes of meditation a day could transform your life.
If you’re craving a sense of calmness, stability and inner peace, a humble 10-minute meditation session could be just what you need.
Before you write it off as hocus pocus it’s worth considering the latest research from Headspace, which suggests that mindful meditation practice has a positive impact on easing stress and anxiety. In fact, one flagship study led by the University of Massachusetts confirmed that meditation has a 90% success rate with patients suffering from clinical levels of anxiety. Headspace co-founder Andy Puddicombeall is a former Buddhist monk and is adamant that all it takes is 10 mindful minutes a day to feel the effects.
So why should you make the effort? Here are a few reasons why 10 minutes of meditation a day could change your life.
Increase the quality of your sleep
Ever feel like your body is exhausted but your brain is wired? According to a new study, meditation can help to fight insomnia and improve your quality of sleep. It supposedly evokes a relaxation response in the brain which triggers a “deep physiological shift in the body.”
Ease stress and anxiety
With Forbes recently warning that workplace stress could contribute to over 120,000 deaths each year, it’s definitely worth keeping your cortisol levels in check. Stress can still linger post-retirement, which means that there’s always room for mindful meditation.
Minimise the risk of cardiovascular disease
Beyond unhealthy diets, smoking habits and lack of exercise, stress is also a major contributor to cardiovascular disease. It claims more lives than all forms of cancer, and according to some experts, the best antidote is meditation, not medication.
“Research demonstrates that meditation cannot only reduce stress and cardiovascular disease; it also produces a wide spectrum of added benefits for physical and mental health,” comments leading physician Dr Robert Schneider. “There is now sufficient evidence to conclude that for prevention of heart disease and promotion of overall mind-body health, meditation deserves to be included in our modern, daily routine.”
Ease chronic pain
From back aches to arthritis, chronic pain can be debilitating. If you want to tackle your discomfort both naturally and holistically meditation could be the answer. A recent university study showed that meditation activates and reinforces some areas of the brain that are used to process pain, which helps to reduce the intensity and minimise reliance on medication.
Enhance your relationship
Want to spice up your marriage? Forget counselling, because according to some experts couples that meditate together, stay together. From communicating emotions and controlling anger to heightening empathy, meditation can be a powerful relationship tool.
Get started
Keen to start meditating and dedicate 10 minutes a day to your personal wellness? These books are a fantastic introduction to the art of mediation.
10% Happier by Dan Harris
After suffering a nationally televised panic attack, Harris decided he needed to make a change. This book is all about taming the inner voice and using meditation to essentially rewire the brain.
Transcendental Meditation by Jack Forem
Simple yet incredibly powerful, Transcendental Meditation (aka TM) is the practice of allowing the mind to venture beyond thoughts and explore the silent inner fields of creativity, energy, peace, and happiness.
Buddhism for Busy People by David Michie
Introducing everyday people to the core teachings of Tibetan Buddhism, this upbeat guide recounts the personal journey of one man and the lifechanging power of both philosophy and mindful action.
Real Happiness by Sharon Salzberg
Pioneering a 28-day programme, Salzberg aims to make meditation simple, fun and less cryptic.
Buddha in Blue Jeans by Tai Sheridan
A tongue in cheek introduction to Buddhism, this book is a fantastic tool for newbies.
Have you had any success with mindful meditation? We’d love to hear your stories so feel free to share.
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