/ Kundalini Yoga
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Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), or the ‘winter blues’, affects millions of people around the globe. This mental condition can lead to an array of symptoms including:
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Finding it hard to concentrate
- Experiencing low energy
- Persistent low moods
- Feeling depressed almost every day
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Experiencing issues with sleep
- Having suicidal thoughts
The condition is common during the winter months when we get less natural daylight. While scientists are not sure what exactly causes this mood-related problem, the common belief is that the sudden change in season and lack of light are to blame.
Meditation Beats Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
When you are experiencing SAD, it can be hard to find joy in everyday activities. You may not want to get out of bed and struggle to motivate yourself to make food and do normal things. Of course, when you are in the midst of this problem, you need to take action.
One way to combat SAD may be to start meditating. Research published in the Frontiers for Psychology Journal suggests that meditation can help people enhance their mindfulness. That small change leads to lower levels of depression and sadness.
While the study didn’t find a direct correlation between meditation and lower levels of anxiety, it did indicate that it can help improve your mood. When you are suffering from a problem like SAD, these small lifestyle changes could make a big difference to you.
Need some support? If you are experiencing SAD, it’s important to reach out to a medical professional for their advice and help. Don’t suffer in silence.
3 Winter Meditation Ideas
Now that you understand how meditation can help you overcome Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), let’s take a look at some winter meditation ideas. Here are three of the ways that you can engage in mindfulness this season:
1. Try a Focused Attention Meditation
Often enough, we are too busy getting things done to stop and experience the world around us. A focused attention meditation helps to solve that problem. The simple practice allows you to stop your mind wandering and simply focus on the here and now.
2. Meditate for a Calm Heart
Are you feeling stressed or overwhelmed? When the modern world gets on top of you, it can be hard to keep calm and relax. The three-minute meditation for a calm heart is the way to go. This practice is perfect for newcomers to the practice and is super easy.
3. Give a Rebirthing Meditation a Go
If you’re looking to start afresh, a rebirthing meditation could be the answer. This practice allows you to open the doorway to a new beginning. Whether you’re hoping to start a new career, find a new love, or simply learn more about yourself, it is the way to go.
The Takeaway!
Meditation has countless benefits. When you are new to the practice, you may find that it takes time to unwind and get into the zone. However, once you’ve got to grips with this, it could make all the difference to your perspective and how you feel.
See also: How to Practice Segmented Breathing and Boost Your Energy
