Stressed? Anxious? Hyped up? Between work-related deadlines, upsetting newspaper headlines, job insecurity and never-ending to-do lists, it's no wonder we're all feeling more blah than Buddha these days. Executive decision: We all need to relax. In an effort to tame our tension and feel more...ahhhh....serene and peaceful, Kate and I are embarking on a new Fit-Dare: 10 minutes of meditation for the next seven days. Join us!Studies have found that meditation can help lower heart rate and blood pressure and boost cognitive performance. And other research suggests that tapping the Zen within improves well-being, heightens focus, elevates mood and increases self-confidence. So, besides 10 minutes of the day, what is there to lose?
More good news: Meditation is a cinch to add to your daily routine (ahem, here's hoping it's easier than logging eight hours of sleep!). How to chill out, in a nutshell: Find a comfy spot, close your eyes, slowly relax your muscles from head-to-toe, and focus on either 1) your breathing, 2) a comforting visual image (perhaps Kate will choose the manicured trees on the ski slopes at Deer Valley; for me, it'll be a white sandy beach with plenty of sunshine and waves) or, 3) an object such as a painting or a vase of flowers. Extra points if you log onto a site like Wildmind.org for some downloadable meditations and more tips on zoning out.
Okay, here we go again: The challenge--10 minutes of meditation every day--begins tomorrow. Photo grabbed from sattva yoga on Flickr. Posted by Liz
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