Today it seems as though everyone in society is busy. Who isn’t running around trying to juggle careers, schools and home life? This can become a traumatic experience for some. The pressure from your peers and friends to fit in and succeed are enormous. So how do you deal with all of this while still keeping your sanity?

Lately there has been a ton of research conducted on the benefits of meditating on a regular basis. Meditation is nothing new, by any means; it is an art form that has been practiced for centuries. So why is it now being looked at as a healing process?

In short, we can put it down to our society as a whole. Families today see both parents working and this places added pressure on the entire family. Everyone is always rushed. You go to work to run home and prepare dinner. Then there is homework to be done, laundry that needs doing and there seems like there is never any time for you!

Just look at some of the tools that you use in your life. You probably carry around a Smartphone or an iPad or laptop. This just increases your activity levels. Even on the bus or in the car you are busy doing something. Years ago a bus ride could have been viewed as a restful experience.

When was the last time you turned off all of your devices for 24 hours or even less? Quite some time ago I expect!

Meditation gives you that time in your day when you can slow down and relax. Just sitting in a comfortable chair and closing your eyes for 20 minutes can be a huge help. Your body and your mind finally have the time to take a break.

You can stop thinking at a million miles per hour, instead you have the time to focus on just one thing.

Research has shown that using some type of meditation method has helped reduced stress, crime and violence in society. It has also shown increases in understanding, positivity and in people experiencing that peaceful, glad to be alive feeling.

You can really see just how busy we are as a society. This is why taking up the art of meditation is an excellent choice for many people. Meditating forces you to take time out, sit down and clear your mind.

After a few sessions of meditating you will notice that your concentration levels have increased as well as your productivity levels. Overall you will start to enjoy living life to the fullest again.

Meditation doesn’t require making big life changes. All you need is a few minutes out of your day. Meditation can be the simplest of practices. Meditation, as a practice, focuses on releasing thoughts about the past and future and becoming grounded in the present moment.

Meditation is simply sitting down, closing your eyes and intentionally relaxing. You can start with as little as three to five minutes twice a day. When I began to meditate, I started with 5 minutes. Then 5 turned to 10. Then 10 turned to 15. And 15 turned to 20. Eventually you can work your way up to 20 minutes.