Meditation: Give Yourself the Gift of Inner Peace

By: Courtney Lewis

December 01, 2022

woman sitting in front of christmas tree meditating

As we enter the holiday season, many of us are beginning to plan and partake in festivities such as shopping, cooking, baking, holiday parties and family gatherings. While the holidays often bring joy and cheer, the hustle and bustle can also lead to fatigue, stress, anxiety and sometimes depression. To avoid holiday burnout, it’s important to find ways to care for yourself mentally and physically. Galen Gorelangton, Renown's Spiritual Center Volunteer, discusses how yoga and meditation can benefit you.

What is yoga and meditation? 

Yoga is defined as performing a series of postures and controlled breathing exercises to promote a more flexible body and a calm mind. As you move through poses that require balance and concentration, you're encouraged to focus less on your busy day and more on the moment.

Meditation involves focusing or clearing your mind using a combination of mental and physical techniques. While there are many different types of meditation and yoga practices, they both share similar benefits including:

  • Reduced stress
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Decreased anxiety and depression
  • Increased energy
  • Better sleep
  • Lower inflammation and pain levels
  • Improved strength, balance and flexibility 
  • Better focus and concentration 
  • And much more!
 

“I find that meditation allows oneself to have better feelings on the past, present and future,” expresses Galen. “It can help you get to a place where you’re more aligned with your values, which creates a powerful way of living.” 

A little bit of yoga and meditation goes a long way! Consistently taking a little bit of time in the morning, night or on a lunch break to work on yoga poses or meditating can help you reap all the benefits listed above. “By practicing meditation, you are practicing skills that you can incorporate into your daily life, such as mindfulness, relaxation, and being more present in the moment,” says Galen.  

How do I get started? 

There are various yoga classes to choose from that will best suit your experience and comfort level. The American Osteopathic Association says there are beginner classes in every style and also modifications for every yoga pose that you can use to get started. 
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