Stress is your body’s natural response to perceived danger, including those insane work deadlines or public speaking (ugh). Stress may seem par for the course these days, but its ability to raise your heart rate and blood pressure is a good reason to try to squash it.
One effective way to combat the constant onslaught of stress is meditation, a practice that encourages you to slow down and find relaxation through mindfulness. By keeping your blood pressure down, meditation can also lower your risk of heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. But sitting cross-legged on the floor and ommm-ing your way out of stress isn’t everyone’s cup of lavender tea. In this video, learn five alternative ways to find mindfulness in your daily life.
References
American Heart Association. (2024). Understanding how stress affects the body.
Jang, S.H., et al. (2016). Beneficial effect of mindfulness-based art therapy in patients with breast cancer — a randomized controlled trial. Explore (NY).
Marich, J., et al. (2015). Dancing mindfulness: A phenomenological investigation of the emerging practice. Explore (NY).
Merschel, M. (2022). The promise of meditation for the heart and mind. American Heart Association.
Oakley, S. et al. (2014). The role of yoga: Breathing, meditation, and optimal fetal positioning. The Practising Midwife.
Söderback, I., et al. (2004). Horticultural therapy: The ‘healing garden’ and gardening in rehabilitation measures at Danderyd Hospital Rehabilitation Clinic, Sweden. Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine.
Wall, R.B. (2005). Tai Chi and mindfulness-based stress reduction in a Boston Public Middle School. Journal of Pediatric Health Care.
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