It’s Time to Meditate on What You’re Thankful For

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Take some time this Thanksgiving to reflect on those things that make you feel blessed by tuning out for a few minutes each day and tuning into yourself. A simple lifestyle change, like meditating – even if it’s only for 10 minutes a day – can have a snowball effect on your overall well-being. The more you thank life, the more you realize how much you have to be thankful for.

Health

Meditating has been proven to lower blood pressure, improve blood circulation, lower heart rate and slow your respiratory rate. It can also decrease anxiety, lower blood cortisol levels and cut back on stress levels. Another benefit? It can help you sleep better, which means you’ll have more energy to make healthy choices and improve your well-being through exercise.

Productivity

For some of us, sitting still and doing nothing is harder than it should be. We feel like we should be doing something or like we aren’t being productive. However, studies show that people who meditate are more productive than those of us who don’t. A clear head means there’s less to distract you from getting things done.

Happiness

On a purely physical level, meditation can increase the release of feel-good chemicals, like endorphins and serotonin. Additionally, meditating helps you become more aware of negative behaviors, making you more likely to make positive lifestyle changes. It also tends to help people with their emotional openness, improving compassion and empathy. These qualities can strengthen your connections with others and improve your relationships.

If you’re convinced, below are some beginner’s mantras, which you can repeat during your meditation, and a few simple practices to help you get started:

As we said before, all you need is 10 minutes. This meditation is the perfect way to kick-start your new practice, no matter how busy your days are. Repeating “my life is abundant” as you go through your practice can help you focus on the positives in your life.

This soothing meditation walks you through proper breathing techniques and uses imagery to help you relax and find the gratitude you need to start improving your mental state and mood. Tell yourself, “I am grateful for all that is good in my life,” 10 times over, and start believing the manifestation.

If you have a little extra time on your hands, we recommend trying this meditation. This calming practice will leave you feeling grateful for yourself and others. It doesn’t hurt to tell yourself, “I am grateful for what I experience around me,” as you practice this meditation, to increase your awareness and gratitude.

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