Happynesshub Hint Four
WHEN YOU ARE STRESSED, TAKE A MINUTE OUT, BREATHE, AND QUIETEN YOUR MIND.
Today, when you feel anxious, tired, angry, or just need a break, instead of just carrying on, continuing to rush, or allowing things to stew: stop, take stock and follow our
emergency two minute-meditation.
The Day 4 Film – Sally
Welcome to our Day 4 Happynesshub Hint Film with our very own Sally here to explain more about today’s exercise and fill you in on the nuts and bolts of how to get the most out of the day.
Welcome to our Day 4 Movement and Meditation Video, which features gentle breathing, stretching and meditation. If you have any health concerns, please consult your GP first. If you have a yoga mat that is helpful, otherwise please do not practise on a slippery surface.
If you would prefer to follow a shorter breathing and / or meditation film (with no stretching) please click here. Or if you want an audio meditation only, choose how long you have, then click and go!
2 mins
5 mins
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20 mins
As I write this surrounded by the madness of today I need a minute out. I’m stressed, I haven’t stopped and there’s one hundred and one things bearing down on me. I simply don’t have ONE MINUTE to spare.
Well, that’s how I feel – but now I am aware that this simply isn’t the case. For me, when I get to the point that I don’t have a couple of minutes to stop, that’s the time I (unknowingly) most need to! So today is all about stopping, taking stock, and realising that sometimes, finding just a couple of minutes out of your day to ‘get away from it’ will not only save you loads of time later, but deliver a calmer, kinder, more peaceful and productive rest of the day.
By now you will know that every day we are encouraging you take at least 5 minutes out to meditate and quieten your mind. There is a large body of scientific research showing that mental training and meditation can permanently rewire the brain to raise levels of happiness. There is also evidence showing that regular daily meditation for as little as 8 weeks leads to increased immune function and less depressive symptoms. So if you are able, try at least 10 minutes a day.
Have you ever had one those emails (or texts) that arrives in your inbox, you read, get really mad, and in haste fire off a reply? I’ve learnt with age (and experience) that’s a really bad idea. I need to walk away, breathe, do my emergency meditation and then refocus. I always, without fail, return to the problem in a completely different state, with greater understanding, compassion, and clarity as to how to move forward.
So today, however busy you find yourself, or even if you feel poorly, please try to take a couple of minutes out of your day to do Marta’s emergency meditation. As a break at lunch, in a moment of need, or when you fancy some calm. Ideally this is on top of your daily practice.
And remember, even if you struggle and your mind keeps chattering, you will still notice a change, however small! Also, the more you practise, the easier it will become.
Wishing you a peaceful and relaxing day.
Please click here for further research on Meditation.