Chip Kelly, head coach of the UCLA Bruins, has been known to say to his players “Win the day.” As an upper cervical chiropractor in Phoenix, AZ, I’ve always loved that phrase. There are a handful of things we can do to help us “win the day.” One thing that I believe is highly underutilized is the exercise of meditation.
Let’s face it, the majority of Americans think meditation is a little hokey. I wasn’t always a “believer” of the benefits of meditation and mindfulness. Who’s got time to sit and think about themselves? I certainly didn’t. But then I decided to actually give it a try and the benefits were noticeable immediately.
Consider these proven benefits when you re-think your decision to NOT try meditation:
- Builds self-confidence
- Resolves phobias and fears
- Improved focus and concentration
- Improved learning ability and memory
- Better relationships
- Emotional maturity
- Decreased worry and restless thinking
- Decreased muscle tension
- Decreased stress
- Increased ability to love and show compassion
- Increases serotonin levels
- Helps control your own thoughts
- Increased creativity
- Increased emotional stability
- Increased will power
- Greater tolerance and composure
- Enhanced immune system
- Increased healing capacity
- Better quality of sleep
Who wouldn’t want all of those benefits in their own personal life? To make it simple, just try meditating 3-5 minutes a day. Make sure that you are in a comfortable sitting position with your back straight and close your eyes. Take a deep breath through your nose and count to 3 as you inhale. Count to 5 as you exhale through your mouth. Then start by repeating this script out loud or in your mind:
I am energized. I am healthy. I feel great. I love my life. I am grateful for my life. I love who I am. I am confident. I am loved. I am happy. I feel great about myself. I am safe and I feel safe. Today everything is fun and easy. Today wonderful things happen to me. I am allowing myself to enjoy this day. Today is a great day.
Remain aware in the back of your mind that with every breath you take your body and energy recharge, so keep breathing nice and deep. Gently stretch your back and arms, wiggle your toes and listen to your surroundings. Know that when you open your eyes you will be wide awake, feeling energised and ready for a great day.
That is all it takes. And you will be ready to go. There are hundreds if not thousands of ways to meditate and focus on attracting certain feelings and emotions into your life. You can find tips on YouTube, apps in the App Store and Google Play.
This year, be open to trying new things. Try meditation and see how it improves your chances to “win the day.”
In health,
Dr. Cameron