FNU Meditation Discussion

Meditation is a healing practice that an individual employs to provide a sense of peace, calm, and balance, which are critical for emotional well-being. Medication includes relaxation techniques such as yoga, transcendental meditation, Tai chi, Qi gong, mindfulness meditation, mantra meditation, and guided meditation (A beginner’s guide to meditation, 2020). The common elements of meditation include focused attention, relaxed breathing, an open attitude, a comfortable position, and a quiet setting (Fontaine, 2019). These features can help patients deal with anxiety and stress. For example, focused attention helps free the mind from any distraction, leading to worry and stress; hence, an individual focuses all the attention on specific objects, a mantra, an image, or breathing (Matko & Sedlmeier, 2019).

Relaxed breathing involves even-paced, deep breathing using the diaphragm muscle to expand your lungs. It helps manage anxiety as it slows breathing, reduces the use of the shoulder, upper chest, and neck, including taking in more oxygen to breathe more efficiently to relieve stress and alleviate anxiety (A beginner’s guide to meditation, 2020). A quiet setting with minimal distractions such as radio, television, or cellphones makes it easier to practice meditation. Distractions such as televisions, crowds, traffic jams, work meetings, and radio often lead to stress and anxiety; hence keeping them away or being in an environment free from them is essential. An open attitude enhances thoughts to pass through an individual’s mind without judgment to enhance a relaxed posture and mind to relieve stress and anxiety. Additionally, being in a comfortable position boosts getting the most benefits from meditation to decrease stress and anxiety (A beginner’s guide to meditation, 2020).

References

A beginner’s guide to meditation. (2020, April 22). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/meditation/in-depth/meditation/art-20045858

Fontaine, K. L. (2019). Complementary & Integrative Therapies for Nursing Practice. Pearson.

Matko, K., & Sedlmeier, P. (2019). What is meditation? Proposing an empirically derived classification system. Frontiers in psychology, 2276.