Health & Wellness Q: Can I prevent some of the harmful effects of stress with meditation?
By award-winning author and stress-relief expert Susie Mantell
A: First, let's accept the obvious: Each of us must assume responsibility for lifestyle choices, including mindful nutrition, use of caffeine, alcohol and tobacco, as well as creating deep restful sleep, healthy, meaningful relationships and regular, pleasurable recreation and exercise.
The Practice of Mindfulness:
Refocusing in the present moment allows us to quiet the inner critic and for a little while, just let go. We release the past and the future, freeing the body-mind to focus completely in this moment. One form of meditation known as Guided Imagery Meditation offers powerful, affordable, drug-free relief through deep relaxation, visualization, multi-sensory imagery, mental rehearsal, and ongoing support. You just listen and relax. Guided imagery audios such as my own, "Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace," offer on-the-spot stress-relief anytime, anywhere, in a recorded mediation that is clinically approved for beginners and seasoned meditators alike.
Many also reach a mindful, meditative state in the rhythm of the ocean, focusing on the in-breath and out-breath, a "mantra" (soothing word/phrase), walking, practicing yoga, tai chi, even rocking a child. Virtually everyone will benefit from the regular, mindful meditative release of stress, and from pleasurable activities that replenish a weary spirit.
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Award-winning stress-relief expert Susie Mantell ...is the author of the deeply soothing relaxation CD, "Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace,” clinically approved for symptoms associated with stress and sleeplessness, depression and grief, anxiety, P.T.S.D., Fibromyalgia, caregiver stress, cancer, pain, divorce and addiction recovery. Featured in The Los Angeles Times, NBC, ABC, CBS-TV, Town & Country, The American Pain Society, Hazelden and The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, listeners include The Mayo Clinic, Memorial Sloan-Kettering, The Betty Ford Center, V.A. Hospitals,and Canyon Ranch (#1 Spa.) Customizing stress-reduction for Fortune 500 companies, distinguished hospitals and spas, Mantell has facilitated thousands in relieving health-related, work-related, chronic or traumatic stress. Her multi-sensory, mind-body techniques appear in national media, medical and corporate publications. Susie Mantell's Stress-Relief & Wellness Tips are intended as an adjunct to, not a substitute for, professional health care. Order “Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace” and find more of Mantell’s stress-relief tips at www.relaxintuit.com