3 reasons to meditate during the Covid-19 pandemic

Meditating during the Covid-19 pandemic

For a year now, Covid-19 has been a part of our lives and everyone is familiar with the pandemic. Wherever you live, you will be well aware not only of the global impact of this disease, but also of the threat in your own country, community and family. Many of us are particularly concerned about the potential impact of this disease on our elderly and physically vulnerable relatives. And on top of the disease itself, the economic impact – from worldwide to people unable to work and not eligible for sick leave – is huge. Children out of school in some areas, shortages in shops and the cancellation of holidays and events are adding to the anxiety and distress.

It's easy to get caught up in all the panic that's around - especially when you're reminded of its impact every time you go to the supermarket and see empty toilet paper shelves - all of which leads to the need to take care of your mental health. Taking some time to meditation it can help in so many ways.

Here are three reasons why you should:

1. The meditation can boost the immune system.

The coronavirus is a highly infectious disease and no one is saying that the meditation will protect you from the virus. However, several studies have shown that meditation may be able to strengthen the immune system by positively affecting genes involved in the infection cycle.

Using regular self-hypnosis as a relaxation technique has positive effects on lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that helps produce antibodies and destroy cells that can cause damage. The ability of the meditation to reduce stress levels can have an effect on the immune system, given the fact that stress is associated with a reduced immune response.

2. The meditation can help relieve anxiety.

Meditation has a proven track record in managing and alleviating anxiety. Not only does this help reduce stress levels – and thus potentially improve the immune system – but it also helps people manage the increased level of anxiety that comes from being in the middle of a pandemic like the coronavirus.

The meditation it involves being in the present moment without dwelling on the past or future and accepting your feelings and emotions as completely valid. This is in stark contrast to being caught up in worrying about what may or may not happen during this pandemic.

3. Meditation can help us improve our emotional health.

At a time when people may self-isolate, worry about finances, distance themselves from loved ones and feel concerned about contracting the coronavirus, the meditation can help improve emotional health and can help deal with depression that is exacerbated by stress.

If you're new to meditation, here are some tips to get you started:

Use a good app. Until you are used to meditating, it can be a bit difficult at first. There are many great guided meditation apps that can help you get used to meditation.

Be patient with yourself. Training the brain is like training any other muscle. Be patient and understand yourself as you learn.

Keep it short to start. Meditation requires you to use your brain in a completely different way. It will take effort at first. Take regular, short bursts and gradually build up the time you spend in a meditation session.

Set a regular time of day. Meditation is a habit and you are much more likely to practice it if you set a specific time of day and incorporate it into your daily routine.

Make it enjoyable! Meditation is fun. Get cozy, maybe light a candle or some relaxing music and enjoy.

Do it regularly. To experience the benefits of meditation, you must do it regularly. Regular short bursts are much better than trying to meditate for half an hour every now and then.

If you already meditate regularly, it is important to continue the practice, no matter how many demands you may face. If you're new to meditation, there's no better time to start!