Published 31/03/2020
Anja, from the marketing team in London, swears by daily meditation during the times of social distancing.
by Anja Reinthaler, Marketing Manager Bridgeman London
"I've recently learned that meditation is essential for my overall wellbeing. Even if I can only spare 10 minutes a day, it's totally worth it. You might not see changes straight away but if you stick to it for a while, stressful situations get a lot easier to deal with, you will feel more relaxed, negative thoughts start to dissolve and you end up with the knowledge that you're taking time every day to look after your body and mind."
Why not try it yourself - here is a basic step by step guide to get into the meditation habit*:
1. Find a quiet spot, where you won't be interrupted and make sure your phone is on silent.
2. Sit up with a straight spine on a chair or cushion. Try to relax your face and shoulders, rest your hands in your lap or on your knees and close your eyes. In order to not lose track of time you can set a timer for 5 or 10 minutes so you know when to stop the meditation.
3. Take a couple of deep breaths to start the meditation and get your mind into it.
4. Try not to control your breathing. Breathe naturally and try to observe it - how does it feel in my nostrils, is the air cold, do I feel the breath in my throat or my abdomen? Focus on breathing in and out. Try to be in the present completely.
5. You'll notice thoughts arising - about the past, about the future, about different situations - and that's OK. Try not to engage in them too much, gently let them go and go back to focusing on your breathing. Sometimes these thoughts will come up a lot and it's OK, don't judge yourself for them. Some days it will be easier to let them go - other days it will be harder. Our mind is used to wandering, so don't be too hard on yourself if it doesn't work out the way you want it to. The most important thing is that you keep returning to your breathing.
In need of some peaceful images? Check out some of our favourite meditation images here
What is your favourite pastime in these challenging times? Get in touch and let us know
*Please bear in mind that these are just suggestions, follow these tips sensibly and at your own discretion. Bridgeman are not liable for any damage that may arise from them.