The world is constantly chaotic, and it’s easy to get swept up in the rush of everyday life. Whether you’re dealing with a demanding job or active social life, the stress and anxiety from these things can add up quickly.
However, what exactly is a guided meditation, and how can it help you unwind at the end of a long day? And how can you do it?
This article will explore what guided meditation is, the benefits of doing it regularly, and how you can start your practice. Enjoy your reading!
What is guided meditation?
Guided meditation is a type of meditation that uses a guide to help you focus on a specific topic. Guided meditations come in several categories, and you can use them together or alone.
For example, some guided meditations help you relax your mind and body after a long day at work or school, while others focus on helping you achieve specific goals like weight loss or improved self-esteem.
Categories of Guided Meditation
There are many types of guided meditation, each with its focus and purpose. The major categories include:
Guided mindfulness meditation
This involves training the mind to focus on a particular object or idea, such as breathing. The aim is to notice your thoughts and feelings without becoming distracted.
You may be given a specific goal or task, such as imagining yourself on a beach in Hawaii or focusing on the sensation of walking through nature.
This type of meditation is crucial for beginners because it teaches you how to focus your attention and calm your mind.
Guided meditation for stress reduction
The modern world needs a lot of stress management. It is challenging to stay relaxed in today’s fast-paced world. Even the most experienced meditators need a break from time to time. This can help reduce stress and anxiety by focusing on your breath, body sensations, or other objects of attention.
As you learn to focus on the breath, body sensations, and other objects of attention, you will notice how each moment changes. You will experience a profound calmness inside of yourself.
Guided meditation for relaxation and sleep
Some people find it hard to fall asleep at night. Guided meditation for relaxation and sleep can help you relax so that you fall asleep easily and wake up feeling rested and energized.
If you listen to guided meditations before sleeping, it will make you sleep better. The soothing voice of the narrator will help you relax and go into a deep state of rest.
Guided meditation for progressive muscle relaxation
Our minds are powerful. They influence our bodies significantly, which is true for relaxation and anxiety. Guided meditation for progressive muscle relaxation can help you relax your muscles so that you feel more at ease in your skin.
The narrator will instruct you to tense your muscles and slowly release them from your feet up to your head. This process helps you develop a new relationship with your body so that when you look in the mirror, it no longer reflects any stress or pain that may exist within it.
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How to Find a Meditation Guide
If you do not know how to start with meditation, several online resources can help. They include:
Online music services
Various online music services offer guided meditation tracks that you can listen to for free. You can search for “guided meditation” on Spotify and Apple Music.
Podcasts
Podcasts are another great way to find guided meditation. Many can be found for free on the internet and can be listened to while you exercise or drive.
Mindfulness websites
Many mindfulness websites offer free guided meditations. You can find them by searching for “guided meditation” on Google or visiting the website of a popular mindfulness app like Calm or Headspace.
Apps
You can find free guided meditation apps on your phone. These apps allow you to listen to guided meditations anywhere and offer specialized options for specific uses, such as stress relief or falling asleep.
YouTube and other video websites
Many mindfulness teachers offer free guided meditations on their YouTube channels. You can also find videos available to watch with sound, making them ideal for following along as you perform other tasks (like cleaning your house).
Yoga studios
Try visiting a local yoga studio or fitness center. Many of these places offer free classes, introducing you to mindfulness meditation basics. You can also look online for local mindfulness groups that meet in person and have free events.
Conclusion
Most people have pretty busy lives, full of stressful situations. Life’s constant hustle and bustle can make it easy to lose sight of the essential things in our lives: loved ones, happiness, and health. With this, you can take back control of your mind and body. The process is simple and easy to learn, so there’s no reason not to try it.
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