For years I resisted the idea of meditating due to my past experience and faith belief. Yet after discovering the health benefits and that meditation is actually a Biblical principle, I began my journey of learning about the practice. Now I meditate most mornings for about 15 minutes.

Benefits of Meditation:

· Reduces anxiety and stress

· Lowers blood pressure and heart rate

· Improves blood circulation

· Lowers blood cortisol levels

· Improves general mental health and better focus

Brain Science/Neuroplasticity and Meditation:

· Meditation helps to thicken the pre-frontal cortex- this is where higher order brain function happens like increased concentration, awareness and decision-making

· A Harvard study found regular meditation in 40–50-year-olds showed the same gray matter in the brain as 20–30-year-olds

· In Alzheimer patients there is significant lack of gray matter in their brains

· Meditation helps to release key neurotransmitters that help regulate vital hormone balance.

To BEGIN:

1) Find a comfortable spot to do your meditation in, void of external distractions

2) Find a time of day that works best for you

3) Begin with breathing techniques (Box breathing, deep breathing, 4-7-8 breathing, etc)

4) Start with 2 minutes and build up to longer as you are able

5) Add visualization, music or use a meditation app to assist in your practice

6) Be consistent

In general, one must find what techniques work best for them in discovering and maintaining a meditation practice.

Contact me through Instagram @thrivinginmidlife or my new website- www.cherylbeckesch.com