Meditation is a wonderful tool to de-stress. It has many advantages--it does not cost any money, requires no special equipment, and, unlike medications, has no harmful side effects. And the best advantage is that it can be done anytime and anywhere.
That is particularly important now that we are living in times of fear and uncertainty. Many of us are experiencing difficulty and wrenching change. While you may not be able to control external events, you can control your reactions. The deceptively simple techniques of meditation are a powerful way to gain control of your emotions to help you cope. People in very difficult conditions such as prison report using meditation to successfully help them cope with the pressure and the chaos.
When you meditate you breath deeply to fill your lungs with air. Then as you breathe out slowly, your lungs empty. Simply sit in a still position or lie down if you don't think you will fall asleep and begin the deep breathing as you empty your mind.
Simply brush away stray thoughts, and there will be stray thoughts. Some teachers advise taking note of the thoughts so you will get a handle on what is worrying you and eventually come to realize that you are separate from your thoughts. Once you understand that, it will enable you to exert control over your life.
Since much anxiety is a reaction to lack of control or powerlessness, real or perceived, this knowledge is very powerful.
As an additional benefit, the simple act of deep breathing will, in of itself, also relax you.
