The holidays mark one of the most overwhelming times of year for many of us. There are presents to be bought, gatherings to plan, and meals to prepare all while carrying out your usual daily tasks. Don’t go down the dark path of anxiety and miss out on all of the magic the season has to offer! Studies show that meditation has the power to reduce stress and improve how you perform both on and off the court—and you don’t even have to invest hours of your time.
Experts agree, participating in a mindful meditation practice for just five minutes a day can start to reduce stress and help you focus better. In fact, the biggest challenge most people face when beginning their practice is getting started. When you envision what takes to meditate, you may picture pillows, candles, and incense all artfully arranged in a serene spa-like environment. While those items are nice, they’re not necessary for beginning a mindfulness practice.
Learning to meditate is as easy as closing the bedroom or office door, sitting in a comfortable position and focusing on your breath. Sound simple enough? The challenge lies in keeping your mind from wandering and not being judgmental when it does. When you start out, set a timer for just five minutes and close your eyes. Tune in to the sound and feel of your own breath. Pay attention to what your mind does. When you find yourself thinking about all of those chores that need to get done, gently quiet your thoughts and refocus. As time goes on, you can increase the time you spend in this practice
If you just can’t get into a meditation on your own, there’s an app for that! Here are three of the most popular ones out there:
If you find that apps work for you, take the time to try a couple. Most of them have free options you can test out before buying the premium version.
Meditation can be done anywhere, anytime you have five minutes to spare. While you’re waiting in the car, taking a break at work, or before you get out of bed in the morning. If you need a little extra motivation to set your meditation in motion, studies have shown that athletes who meditate perform better. That’s right, the results of meditation including reduced stress, improved sleep, increased endurance, and an improved recovery time make you a better player on the court. So wrap that last gift, prop yourself up in a comfortable seat, and get your Zen on.
And have a Happy Holiday!
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