Informative

Under the weather? Use These Meditation Techniques to Feel Better.

While strolling in his kingdom, young Prince Gautama saw a sick person, an older man, and a dead body, which made him realize the elusive nature of this world. He gave up everything and began his search for true knowledge, and afterward, the world knew him as Buddha, the great. Like old age and death, no one is immune to sickness, but that should not stop anyone from practicing meditation. But why should we meditate when we are not feeling good?

Illness could bring a lot of uneasiness in our life. Apart from appointments, tests, and medicinal bills, it breaks our routine and puts our plans on hold, which adds to pre-existing stress. While meditating under the weather doesn’t sound appealing, when our body is going through a tough time, it could support our body in healing. In this blog, we are trying to find whether it is okay to meditate even when we feel under the weather, and if yes, what methods can we use to ease the pain.

Immune system and the mind

It has been proven repeatedly that our body and mind have a close connection. Our body responds to various emotions differently. Several research studies point out that stress can alter our immune system. People exposed to chronic stress are prone to have a common cold, viral infections, and decreased antibodies.

When a person is depressed, the body’s reaction to the entry of external pathogens is minimal. In other words, depression lowers the body’s mechanism to fight external disease-causing factors. Cynical distrust, excessive self-blame, and lack of optimism drastically affect our immune system. Meditation helps to reduce our stress and all of the conditions mentioned above. And hence it’s vital to build the meditation practice and follow it, even in unfavorable conditions.

How meditation helps when you are ill?

During meditation, we focus our mind on breathing, eliminating the jumbling thoughts crowding in our subconscious, causing stress. This process results in physical and mental well-being. During meditation, our brain cells release endorphins, a happy hormone, which is also called a natural pain reliever. When the brain is relaxed, you feel less pain, in a calmer state.

Meditation is effective even in patients with chronic pain. In chronic conditions like depression, anxiety, heart disease, sleep irregularity, or blood pressure, meditation helps us accept the condition instead of denying it. It helps us ease the pain and aid in mental and physical healing. Not to mention, this feeling of well-being does not stop as soon as the meditation session ends. This energy helps us keep on healing ourselves until the end of the day. 

Meditation techniques when feeling under the weather

Deep breathing meditation

 Sit straight, with closed eyes, relaxing your body. Exhale all the air from your lungs through your mouth. Pause for two seconds, and inhale through your nose, filling the lungs with air. Pause for three to five seconds as per your capacity, and then exhale. Repeat this process for ten minutes, focusing on your breath.

You can combine this with the practice of Pranayama, where one breathes and exhales through alternate nostrils. The breathing meditation will reduce stress, improve sleep quality, increase mindfulness, reduce high blood pressure, etc.

Visualization meditation

 Let’s face it. No one likes sneezing, coughing, or having a fever, and everyone wants to feel better. So, why not imagine us being healthy with the help of visualization meditation? Visualization meditation allows us to look beyond sickness and create our healthy reality.

You can either lay down or sit in a comfortable position for this type of meditation, with eyes closed. Feel the movement of air coming and leaving from the body. Then, imagine what it would feel like if you were healthy? What would you do? How would you feel? Remember, you are bound only by your imagination, so let it run wild. Imagine yourself snorkeling in clear oceans, or watching a movie on Thanksgiving day, with your whole family.

This exercise will send positive signals to your body, releasing the happy hormone named endorphin, shifting your attention away from the discomfort of feeling under the weather. 

Body scan meditation

 We often feel confused and nonspecific whenever our doctors ask us about our pain. For example, we can’t always tell the difference between excruciating pain and unbearable pain. It’s because we do not always listen to the signals our body sends. And hence, body scan meditation is the best option we have when it comes to listening to your body.

 Lie down on your bed with your eyes closed and take a few deep breaths. Starting from your toes, gradually acknowledge each body part, and check how those parts are feeling. It’s an opportunity to communicate with your body without any interruptions. Notice where you are feeling pain, tingling, spasms, or tightness.

When you are done scanning, acknowledge the pain, and accept it. Take further measures like doing stretches or seeking advice from a medical professional for further improvement. But remember, this all starts when you make a strong connection with your body through body scan meditation. 

Mantra meditation for positivity

 The mind has miraculous power and has the potential to bring our intentions into reality. Instead of complaining and sulking, we can divert our attention to being healthy, happy, and empowered. Mantras help our mental focus, be empowered, and connect with the higher powers of the universe.

Mantras can be a letter, word, or combination of words. Sounds created by Sanskrit chanting contain positive vibrations. Listening to those chants empowers our bodies to fight the ailment. It could be positive affirmations that you can chant repetitively while being in the meditative state. If you need a Mantra, you can seek a spiritual expert or a well-known Guru who can initiate you with the Mantra as per your personality, experiences, abilities, and life aspirations.

Prayer

 A significant part of spirituality is connected with those higher powers, the universe, the Divinity, or God. When we share our feelings with those higher powers, we connect with them. Sharing your problems, pains, and illness with them makes it a little more sufferable.

If we are feeling under the weather, praying is a great way to refocus on our beliefs and recenter the faith in higher powers. It helps us know that we are connected with these powers, aiding us in recovery. You can pray sitting, sleeping, or just with closed eyes, and they will help you gain comfort, strength, and healing.  

Please keep in mind that meditation is no alternative to medicine; it’s a support system for your mind which will aid in your recovery. If you are feeling sick, you must see a medical professional for a line of treatment. We hope this blog helps you gain insight into the meditation techniques to feel better during sickness. 

What is your first response when you get that first sneeze or cough? You hit the bed, or you stand up straight and keep moving? Tell us that in the comments section below.

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