The second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic has hit the nation hard, proving even deadlier than the first one. The cases are rising every day with near and dear ones getting affected. Amid the lockdown, stress and anxiety have reached an all-time high. During these testing times, it is extremely important to take care of your mental health, and a good way to start is by adhering to a morning routine.
How you start your morning sets the tone for the day. By keeping aside a few minutes for morning meditation, you set yourself up for a calm, stress-free and productive day. Meditating in the morning can help your mind feel rested and free from stress and worries.
To develop this practice, you need to commit to the process. The first step is to decide how much time you want to devote to meditation. For instance, if you’re a beginner, meditating every day for 30 minutes would be practically impossible for you. The amount of attention you need to develop for longer sessions only comes with time and practice. So, start small. Allocate five to ten minutes every day, and then gradually increase the duration, depending on what feels right for you.
If you’re still wondering whether or not to include meditation in your morning routine, here are a few benefits that can help make your decision easy.
Sets a positive tone for your day
Most of us start our days fighting with our alarm clocks, refusing to leave the bed. This attitude causes a ripple that can affect the rest of your day. But when you take the time to meditate in the morning, even if it’s only for five minutes, you give your mind a chance to wake up and prepare before you dive into your tasks. You feel an immediate mood boost, and your body feels prepared to tackle the day. This ritual empties your mind of the residual thoughts from the previous day, hence making room for fresh new ideas.
Counteracts stress and anxiety
Meditation, in its simplest form, is all about learning how not to lose your focus. When practised in the morning, it can help you slow down your thoughts and bring inner peace. According to a study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, meditation can also help ease psychological stresses like anxiety, depression, and pain. Dr. Elizabeth Hoge, a psychiatrist at the Center for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Disorders at Massachusetts General Hospital, says that mindfulness meditation makes perfect sense for treating anxiety. She further states that it reduces amygdala reactivity, which is the part of the brain responsible for your stress response.
Helps you ‘switch on’ your mind
Meditation, especially in the morning, when your mind is fresh, increases your ability to stay focused and mindful throughout the day. It brings a sense of calmness to your mind by keeping the things that draw your attention at bay. You can move through your day with awareness and confidence and are clear about what you want to accomplish.
Makes you more empathetic and connected with others
Empathy is one of the building blocks of healthy relationships. When we can see something from another person’s point of view, we are better equipped to connect on a deeper level. This is a quality that can be nurtured and learned through meditation because you increase empathy by expanding self-awareness. By calming the nervous system, morning meditation helps you become aware of your own emotions, making you more adept at empathising with the emotions of others. And as we learn to understand and recognise our thought patterns, inner dialogues, and sufferings, we move closer to the suffering of others.
Fills you with energy and enthusiasm
When you practice meditation in the morning, you feel more alert and awake. Simply relaxing and focusing the mind on meditation triggers the release of endorphins, and also helps increase dopamine, serotonin, and melatonin. This cocktail of chemical flooding in your bloodstream can leave you feeling happy, calm, and energised.
Increases your attention and focus
Focus is the ability to pay attention to one thing without getting wavered, which can be difficult when there are so many things to distract you. But when you start your day with morning meditation, you get the time to understand your body and mind. Having 10 minutes of silence and stillness each morning allows your mind to get rid of all the distractions and focus on the things that matter to you.
FAQs
How can morning meditation benefit my mental health during tough times?
Morning meditation can benefit your mental health by setting a positive tone for your day, counteracting stress and anxiety and increasing your attention and focus.
How can I incorporate morning meditation into my routine?
Start by allocating a few minutes each morning for meditation. Begin with a shorter duration, such as five to ten minutes, and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable.
Can morning meditation help with stress and anxiety?
Yes, morning meditation can help counteract stress and anxiety. It slows down your thoughts and brings inner peace, reducing psychological stress.
How does morning meditation improve focus and attention?
Morning meditation helps improve focus and attention by allowing your mind to eliminate distractions and focus on the present moment.