Mindful in May is the world\u2019s largest online mindfulness fundraising campaign. Running for the entire month of May, the idea behind the concept is simple: to provide education, tools and support for meditation practice. Research has shown that it only takes 10 minutes of meditation a day to see substantial positive benefits<\/a>. For older adults, the benefits of meditation are even more significant. As we age, we often worry more about our physical health than our mental health. However, it is just as important to look after our mental health; and meditation promotes many psychological benefits.<\/p>\n
Meditation is about\u00a0cultivating presence and awareness<\/a>. It is a mental training practice that calms the mind and body, and creates a different way of dealing with stress. Meditating involves relaxing and trying to clear the mind, ensuring that you do not dwell on the negative thoughts that enter your head.\u00a0When meditating, breathing and heart rate slow down, blood pressure decreases, and feelings of stress and tension in the body are also reduced.<\/p>\n
Meditation has a number of physical and psychological\u00a0benefits for older adults<\/a>. Firstly, meditation activates the \u2018feel-good\u2019 prefrontal cortex of the brain, which means that it improves our mood. For older adults in particular, meditation can help them\u00a0come to terms with the challenges of ageing<\/a>. It also helps our well-being through creating a sense of calm and reducing stress, which in turn, can lead to improved sleep. Research has found<\/a>\u00a0that meditation can even help with more serious issues such as minimising the effects of depression and reducing physical pain.<\/p>\n
Meditation can also actually\u00a0change the brain<\/a>\u00a0in order to improve focus, creativity, and cognitive function. As meditation\u00a0stimulates the memory centres within the brain, it can improve\u00a0both short- and long-term memory. In fact, a recent study showed that it might even\u00a0slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n
There are a number of meditation programs available for seniors to join, but you don’t have to enter a program to start meditating. You can practice meditation any time, anywhere. The only thing that you need to start meditating is a bit of time and space for yourself. Ideally, you will work up to 20 minutes a day of meditation but you can start off small with just 5 minutes a day.<\/p>\n
Older adults with mobility issues can also practice meditation. All you need is a quiet environment, where you can sit or lie down. Once you are positioned comfortably, start by taking deep, diaphragmatic breaths with a focus on inhaling and exhaling. Acknowledge any physical sensations that you can feel and take a moment to address what your body is telling you. You may need to adjust your position accordingly. Whether you are lying down, sitting or standing, ensure your posture is good.<\/p>\n
Now, try to completely clear your mind. While random thoughts may pop into your head and distract you, try to acknowledge them, but release them without dwelling on them. Feel your breath in your stomach and continue to inhale and exhale. When you’re ready, start to consider the things that you are grateful for and give thanks for your body and mind. This is all you have to do to get started with meditation; it\u2019s that simple!<\/p>\n
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At Brain Sparks, we understand the importance of keeping physically and mentally healthy as we age. Meditation is one way to do this. Another alternative that you may enjoy is Ageless Grace\u00ae<\/a>. Using all five areas of the brain, combined with simple, organic movement, Ageless Grace\u00ae<\/a> can help improve brain health through a combination of fun, playful exercises. Get in touch with us for more information.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"