Meditation and Stress: Finding Balance in a Busy World
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The Relationship Between Meditation and Stress
This week, while gazing out the window at a group of birds resting in a nearby tree, I was interrupted by a WhatsApp message from my sister.
“I’m feeling like this,” she texted, accompanied by a few crying emojis.
I know I should have silenced my notifications, as I typically do, but I felt compelled to find out what was troubling her. Upon opening the message thread, I saw an Instagram story depicting someone who felt “burnt out,” “fragile,” and “inconsistent”—a dramatic portrayal that immediately piqued my curiosity.
When I called her, she expressed, “I’m so worn out; I think I need a vacation.”
She was referring to the heavy workload she’s been managing, which includes teaching university classes, supervising her students' practical training, conducting research for her doctorate, and balancing her patient appointments. My sister has always been busy—one of the few traits we share—but lately, the pressure has become overwhelming.
Naturally, I couldn’t help but suggest, “Maybe you should try meditating.”
To be honest, this wasn’t the first time I had made this suggestion; I’ve encouraged her to meditate countless times—at least twenty, I would guess.
Why Meditation Matters
As a long-time practitioner of meditation, I understand its profound benefits. I could discuss its merits all day—without sounding too fervent, of course. Scientific research lists numerous advantages of meditation, including:
- Lowering stress and anxiety levels
- Enhancing focus and concentration
- Improving emotional well-being
- Fostering empathy and compassion
- Alleviating symptoms of depression
And that’s just scratching the surface. However, exploring every benefit isn’t necessary for our current conversation.
The Potential Solution
Given her hectic lifestyle, I genuinely believe that meditation could be a game-changer for my sister. It would provide her with the opportunity to unwind, disconnect, and alleviate her stress levels.
Yet, like our father, she managed to offer excuses. “I can’t. My mind is too busy,” she replied.
“That’s exactly why meditation is beneficial! You need to sit quietly and calm your thoughts,” I countered, sensing her reluctance.
“I can’t sit still! My mind races in every direction,” she protested.
I chuckled at her quick defense, realizing how easily she found reasons to resist. It reminded me of the classic dilemma: which came first, the chicken or the egg?
To truly benefit from meditation, one must be willing to pause their busy life for a few moments. However, you cannot calm your thoughts without dedicating time and effort to do so. In today’s fast-paced world, distractions abound. Who can resist the allure of social media notifications or binge-worthy shows?
While I usually exercise self-discipline, I confess that my sister’s message proved too tempting to ignore.
A Complex Situation
I empathize with her situation—though perhaps not entirely. My sister is highly active, working as a speech pathologist and voice specialist with musicians. Thus, the constant sounds of instruments and her patients' voices energize her.
I believed that if she tried an activity like meditation to counterbalance her hectic environment, it might resolve some of her stress. I was convinced that meditation would be the ideal strategy, which is why I kept advocating for it.
“If you just sit for five minutes and breathe deeply, you’ll notice how much quieter your thoughts can become,” I urged.
For the record, I typically don’t push anyone into something they’re not ready for—perhaps that’s why I struggle with sales. But my sister means the world to me, and I only want what’s best for her.
Of course, she responded with a strong rebuttal. “Five minutes? You must be joking! I can’t stay still for that long. I’d rather hit the gym.”
Despite her need to unwind, she seemed more inclined toward high-energy workouts—cardio and strength training being her preferred methods. And here I was, the “crazy” one for suggesting meditation!
“Then you’re not truly relaxing,” I pointed out.
“But I’m de-stressing!” she argued, quickly switching sides.
Knowing When to Step Back
My sister and I have always shared a unique bond. We can speak freely with each other, and while disagreements may arise, they rarely last more than a few minutes. This dynamic has been present since childhood. However, like our father, she is undeniably stubborn, and I find it challenging to win against her resolve.
So, I took a deep breath and decided to let it go. Thank you, meditation, for granting me clarity!
Many people can relate to this struggle. Finding a clear answer can be complicated and varies according to individual lifestyles. Everyone has different methods for unwinding and de-stressing, and personal preference plays a significant role.
For me, the choice is straightforward. As a dedicated practitioner and a living testament to its benefits, I remain unconvinced by any alternative. Even though I didn’t succeed in persuading my sister, I felt a sense of victory in gaining self-awareness and recognizing the importance of letting go. In times like these, that realization is invaluable.
Mindfulness: A Path to Inner Peace
When practiced consistently, mindfulness can profoundly enrich one’s life, nourishing the mind, body, and spirit while contributing to overall well-being.
The first video titled "Mindfulness Versus Meditation: Why You Need Both to Combat Stress" discusses the essential roles both practices play in managing stress and achieving balance in life.
The second video, "My Story (1/2) ~ Using meditation to deal with panic attacks, stress & anxiety," shares personal experiences of using meditation as a tool for overcoming challenges related to anxiety and stress.