Many dads have this idea of meditation being this practice for people with too much time on their hands. Some also see it as a female pursuit. But the truth is that mediation for men can improve mental health and help you reduce stress in your busy life of being a dad.
Meditation has numerous benefits, both mentally and physically, helping to relax you and improve happiness. You don’t have to sit alone with your thoughts for that long either, with amazing apps available to guide dads towards improved mental health.
What is meditation?
Meditation is an ancient wellness practice that originated in Eastern wellness traditions. It’s difficult to define as it covers a large range of practices across many different times and ages of history. In general, it involves an individual using a technique to achieve mental clarity and emotional calmness.
There are many links between meditation and mindfulness, which is about bringing one’s attention to the present moment without any judgement. Both are perfect for dads trying to find some calm in the hectic world of parenting, working and trying to maintain some semblance of self.
Why meditation for men is so effective
Health benefits
Meditation is known to help increase self control and recognise triggers for addiction. This means that dads who practise it can reduce cravings for alcohol, drugs and emotional bing eating amongst other health benefits.
It also helps control those thoughts that run through your head at night, leading to better sleep. This, in turn, feeds into a more healthy lifestyle.
Stress reduction
Lots of dads turn towards meditation to help with stress and how to reduce it whilst juggling a hectic lifestyle. Too much stress can increase levels of cortisol. This can increase feelings of depression and anxiety as well as raising blood pressure. Meditation for men will help you stabilise you cortisol levels.
There is more research that has shown that meditation also improves symptoms of stress-related conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, and fibromyalgia.
Increased happiness
Some meditations help create a more positive outlook on life, improving self-image. One study showed that people who completed meditation exercises have fewer negative thoughts in studies, compared with those who didn’t meditate beforehand.
By meditating, it can reduce chemical such as cytokines, allowing you to deal better with negative situations.
Promotes Kindness
Meditation for men can increase positive feelings and actions toward yourself and others. This is known as metta, a loving-kindness meditation. It starts with developing kind thoughts towards yourself.
Through practice and dedication, followers learn to extend this kindness externally, starting with friends, then acquaintances, and finally your enemies. The more time spent in metta meditation practice, the more positive feelings one has.
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