Like Closing your eyes without sleeping

In modern times, we are constantly stimulated and bombarded with information, which results to be pretty tiresome over sustained periods of time, making us feel stressed, unfocused and certainly dependant on a fast paced lifestyle regarding to the things we pay attention to. Is because of this that the use of techniques for relaxation and improving focus are more widespread today, one of this techniques being meditation. Though first, we have to know what meditation is, so let's begin by giving a description to It.

What exactly meditation is?

The concept of meditation is ambiguous, As Its origins come from to the latin word meditatĭo, which was just the practice of an intellectual endeavour, though later It was used to describe more spiritual practices, as we see them in buddhism or hinduism in which the user gains contemplation and insight.

Now, in more recent times, we have given a clearer definition to meditation, being an exercise in which the individual trains the mind to gain an elevated sense of consciousness in order to gain some benefits from this, as It might be an increase in focus, vital energy or simply being more relaxed.

What are the benefits or meditation?

As we showcased what meditation was, we can see what characteristics define this practice, though now let's look at some of the benefits It can provide:

• Overall Increases in concentration in determined points of focus.

• Increases in relaxation levels.

• An elevated sense of self and the world surrounding us.

• Being able to disconnect from an agitated rhythm of life for a moment.

• Taking more thoughtful and effective decisions.

How to meditate?

As you might imagine just from Its concept, meditation can be put in practice in many different ways, which might vary in regards to Its intended purpose, whether It is religious, therapeutic or just strategies to sharpen the mind. In this case, we'll present you with a simple exercise in meditation you can apply daily in order to gain some of these benefits (mostly relaxation and concentration) by just taking 5 minutes of your day. Now, let's present the steps:

1.- Sit in the floor, a soft mat or whatever surface you're comfortable in while crossing your legs and maintaining your back straight.

2.- Close your eyes.

3.- Breathe in a determined cycle (i.e, 4 seconds of breathing, 4 seconds while keeping your breath and 4 seconds releasing the air inhaled) while focusing only in this process and how It feels, keeping your mind free of any other thoughts.

4.- Repeat this process for the entirety of the 5 minutes.

After this, you might note or not a slight feeling of relaxation and deeper focus in life, which might not be too much at the beginning, though we guarantee that in the long run you'll see how this helps you.

We hope that with the information presented, you can have a better perspective about meditation and the benefits It can bring to your life, motivating you to put It in practice and having a few minutes of the day to focus in closing your eyes and being more in contact with yourself.