February is the month for love — so show yourself some love (and peace!) by meditating. It’s a simple, inexpensive way to bring some gentleness into your day, no matter where you are. Meditation can help you sleep better, alleviate pain, improve the symptoms of anxiety disorders and depression, and even help control blood pressure. So, get started today! There’s no “right” way to meditate—as long as you’re in a comfortable position and are giving yourself a few minutes of personal time, you’re on the right track. Follow the tips below for some guidance. Give yourself at least 3 minutes!
- Close your eyes to minimize distractions, and relax the muscles in your forehead.
- Inhale and exhale through your nose. If you find this difficult you can breathe in through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth.
- Keep your shoulders soft and your mouth relaxed. If you tend to tighten your jaw, place your tongue on the rough of your mouth, behind your front teeth.
- You may or may not want to repeat a mantra to yourself—something positive and uplifting, like “Peace, balance, joy.”
