Just 10 Minutes of Meditation Can Relieve Anxiety & Improve Focus

Meditation refers to a state of deep rest or relaxation something we find too hard to achieve in our fast-paced lives. Our brain is always working and our mind is constantly thinking of ways to catch up with times that are moving faster than us. Given this scenario, it is very easy to lose focus and get caught up with pressures of life. An easy way out, as per a new study, would be to give yourselves only 10 minutes to unwind and relax. According to a new Canadian research, just 10 minutes of meditation daily can help people who are more prone to anxiety and negative thoughts to focus and calm down. 

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Researchers from Canada's University of Waterloo examined 82 students who experience anxiety who were asked to complete a  computer-based task while being interrupted several times in order to assess their ability to stay focused on the task at hand. Later, the participants were divided in to two groups randomly. A control group was asked to listen to an audio story while the other group took part in a short meditation exercise.(Also read: 6 Surprising Health Benefits of Meditation)
At the end of all the activities, researchers noted that those who performed meditation were less distracted and were able to focus better on the task at hand. Another benefit of meditation that the experts noticed was that it helped anxious people shift their attention from their own internal issues to the external world and the present moment. The study was published in the journal Consciousness and Cognition.

Meditation for beginners 

You can start by finding a nice, peaceful corner in the house. Sit cross legged with your back straight. As a beginner, your aim should be to concentrate solely on your breath. Close your eyes and put away all your thoughts for a while but be conscious of everything around you and your body parts at all times. Take deep and long breaths and be aware of your breathing every time you inhale or exhale air. Make sure you pause for a few seconds before taking the next breath. You can meditate any time of the day but it is best to do so in the morning to kick-start your stay with great positive energy or before sleeping for a good night's rest. Don't overdo it and burden your mind. Like the study suggests, 10 to 15 minutes daily is enough to do you good. Besides improving your focus and concentration, meditation can boost your inner source of energy and strength, calm a stressed mind and make you feel more confident.