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Meditation / Mental Health - Tips to Start
Posted on 1/10/24 at 1:48 pm
Posted on 1/10/24 at 1:48 pm
As a father of a young family that is fully caught up in the rat race, a goal for me this year was more focus on mental health…even if that meant sitting quietly for 15-20 minutes each day and reflecting.
A friend suggested trying “Headspace Guide to Meditation” on Netflix, which I enjoyed more than I thought, even though I’m not quite sure if I was “meditating “ or just relaxing.
Any tips, suggestions, or programs anyone would recommend?
I tried searching for this topic, most recent was 2020, but we know how TD’s search is so apologies if this is a repost.
A friend suggested trying “Headspace Guide to Meditation” on Netflix, which I enjoyed more than I thought, even though I’m not quite sure if I was “meditating “ or just relaxing.
Any tips, suggestions, or programs anyone would recommend?
I tried searching for this topic, most recent was 2020, but we know how TD’s search is so apologies if this is a repost.
This post was edited on 1/10/24 at 3:15 pm
10
Posted on 1/10/24 at 1:54 pm to LSU Delirium
There is this guy on YouTube called Michael Sealey. Meditation/hypnosis. It’s nice because all you have to do is lay down and listen to him. He’s on Spotify as well.
Posted on 1/10/24 at 1:58 pm to LSU Delirium
Headspace is really good. The App is excellent. It's pretty gamified (which kind of goes against the whole idea of meditation, but whatever..), so if you're someone who likes to "progress" then Headspace is good for that. You can take "courses" that are guided meditations around themes (sports anxiety, anger management, stress, etc..) and you can also do different "levels" that walk you through deeper and more advanced meditations as you progress. It also keeps up with your streaks for accountability. It's also got a "daily headspace" deal that provides a bunch of different little activities and thoughts and such throughout the day if you're into that. It's really solid, overall.
Ten Percent Happier is another one that a lot of people really like and is based on a book of the same name. If you like to read books, then it's likely a good way to go.
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle is another good book that a lot of people like. I'm currently reading it. I find it to be a little bit... woo woo... but I also REALLY like the way he frames and describes meditation. So, it has that going for it.
I do think it's hard to go wrong with headspace, though, but that might be because that's where I got started. Oh, Headspace also has "sleep sessions" that are money for insomnia.
Ten Percent Happier is another one that a lot of people really like and is based on a book of the same name. If you like to read books, then it's likely a good way to go.
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle is another good book that a lot of people like. I'm currently reading it. I find it to be a little bit... woo woo... but I also REALLY like the way he frames and describes meditation. So, it has that going for it.
I do think it's hard to go wrong with headspace, though, but that might be because that's where I got started. Oh, Headspace also has "sleep sessions" that are money for insomnia.
This post was edited on 1/10/24 at 2:02 pm
Posted on 1/10/24 at 2:30 pm to LSU Delirium
I've had a lot of success with just reading a book or doing yoga to help slow things down and keep to myself.
Posted on 1/10/24 at 3:02 pm to hogfly
quote:
Ten Percent Happier
I really like that one.
Posted on 1/10/24 at 4:57 pm to LSU Delirium
Reject modernity and Netflix shows
Return to tradition and drinking beer to relax
Return to tradition and drinking beer to relax
Posted on 1/10/24 at 7:29 pm to LSU Delirium
Jesus.
Totally serious. He changed my life and the level of serenity He brings is incomparable.
Totally serious. He changed my life and the level of serenity He brings is incomparable.
Posted on 1/10/24 at 7:57 pm to LSU Delirium
I've tried many apps and other technological means to work on this issue. Headspace didn't catch on with me, Calm didn't either, I forgot the rest. But walking more, outside, that did it. I always really enjoyed being outside, and now I appreciate how strong of an influence it has on my overall health because when I lived in Houston I never went outside and I was miserable. Find what works for you.
Posted on 1/10/24 at 9:12 pm to DrDenim
quote:
walking more, outside
100% and leave your phone at home.
Posted on 1/10/24 at 9:59 pm to DrDenim
Getting outside, exercising, self-care, tech fasts are definitely all important and excellent practices. I do think that meditation/mindfulness offers something different. I know it’s not for everyone, but there are enough people (often high performers) from all walks of life that practice some form of meditation, that I feel there are some additional, unique benefits. Specifically; divergent and creative thinking, moving past myopically being trapped in current feelings, and creating the head space between stimulus and action.
I do think that you can learn those things in other ways, but meditation is a structured way of achieving them.
I do think that you can learn those things in other ways, but meditation is a structured way of achieving them.
This post was edited on 1/10/24 at 10:17 pm
Posted on 1/10/24 at 10:08 pm to FieldEngineer
quote:
100% and leave your phone at home.
I probably should start building that into the habit as well, but I'm pretty consistent about having it in my pocket and listening to podcasts while I walk.
However, the following happens frequently.... as I'm walking I'll encounter one or both of my parents while they're out walking or working on something outside(we live in separate houses on adjoining properties on approx. 50 acres), and I'll pause my podcast to talk to them for a bit before continuing my walk, or I'll tag along and walk with them and we'll chat the whole time. If we walk together I don't re-start my podcast for obvious reasons, but on the days I continue on walking alone I often forget all about my podcast and I'll finish my entire walk before realizing it. After I get back home I sometimes start to think, "shite, I forgot to re-start my podcast," but before I complete that thought I stop myself and realize how nice it was to just walk along outside and look at stuff and listen to whatever ambient sounds are about. Hands down the best head clearer there is in my opinion.
Posted on 1/11/24 at 5:08 am to DrDenim
Thank you for the suggestions everyone. I’ll probably try head space or Michael Sealy to start and see it how it goes.
I feel like I do pretty well with my physical wellness. I’m in the gym 3-5x a week, spend time outside with kids or walking the dog, and finally built my garden and hope to plant in the fall, which I hope will be therapeutic in ways. I’m doing a dry January, so beer for relaxing will have to wait :)
What I sometimes struggle with, and I hope this helps with, is sometimes I just can’t get out of my own head. I think about work or other stressors constantly and I hope this helps me step back from myself a bit and reflect on the good things, not the 100’s of things that I’m worried about in that particular moment.
Thanks again, happy 2024 everyone and good luck with you goals!
I feel like I do pretty well with my physical wellness. I’m in the gym 3-5x a week, spend time outside with kids or walking the dog, and finally built my garden and hope to plant in the fall, which I hope will be therapeutic in ways. I’m doing a dry January, so beer for relaxing will have to wait :)
What I sometimes struggle with, and I hope this helps with, is sometimes I just can’t get out of my own head. I think about work or other stressors constantly and I hope this helps me step back from myself a bit and reflect on the good things, not the 100’s of things that I’m worried about in that particular moment.
Thanks again, happy 2024 everyone and good luck with you goals!
This post was edited on 1/11/24 at 6:21 am
Posted on 1/11/24 at 6:36 am to LSU Delirium
quote:
What I sometimes struggle with, and I hope this helps with, is sometimes I just can’t get out of my own head. I think about work or other stressors constantly and I hope this helps me step back from myself a bit and reflect on the good things, not the 100’s of things that I’m worried about in that particular moment.
This is absolutely one of the things meditation helped me with. Vipassana
(which is what headspace is based on) helps you clear your mind and focus on the breath and to be present in the moment without all the monkey mind chatter.
Eckhart Tolle, which I’m currently exploring, focuses more on backing out, observing all those thoughts and emotions and realizing they are separate from who you actually are and as you realize that and feel it’s truth, you kind of experience a deeper meditative state. Probably an oversimplification. Like I said, it’s a little “woo woo” in comparison to Headspace which is way more methodical and much more of a “practice” or “workout” for the mind in the same way that going to the gym or practicing a sport is for the body.
This post was edited on 1/11/24 at 6:37 am
Posted on 1/11/24 at 7:23 am to LSU Delirium
Sam Harris’s Waking Up app is excellent. Easy to follow, lots of great content to explore, and has a beginner’s course.
Posted on 1/11/24 at 8:25 am to mceuph
I'll second Waking Up, as its not about progression, but just about being present. You can have a 5 second moment of clarity whenever, not just when you are meditating. I am now enjoying random moments of everyday.
Also I like some of the extra content like begin again, the last time, etc. Really put things in perspective for me.
Most mornings I usually do a 10 minute meditation followed by a journal entry. Usually some gratitude, followed by whatever I want to write down, finished with some sort of mantra.
Both these practices take about 15 in the morning, and have had a positive impact in my life.
Find what works for you and make it a habit.
Also I like some of the extra content like begin again, the last time, etc. Really put things in perspective for me.
Most mornings I usually do a 10 minute meditation followed by a journal entry. Usually some gratitude, followed by whatever I want to write down, finished with some sort of mantra.
Both these practices take about 15 in the morning, and have had a positive impact in my life.
Find what works for you and make it a habit.
This post was edited on 1/12/24 at 11:39 am
Posted on 1/11/24 at 8:53 am to LSU Delirium
Posted on 3/30/24 at 7:12 am to LSU Delirium
(no message)
This post was edited on 4/5/24 at 7:53 am
Posted on 3/30/24 at 10:26 am to clareqinty89
Meditation changed my life and is an absolute non-negotiable as important as fitness for me.
I would pick either Calm or Headspace and do one of their intro courses. Start with a goal of ~10 min per day and increase time/frequency as you get more into it.
Don't over think it - It will feel weird at first, you will think you suck. But you are learning to overcome & control your brain chatter.
Looking at my app, I have logged 3k+ sessions and I STILL have days where I can't focus. These are the days you need to meditate the most.
Good luck!
I would pick either Calm or Headspace and do one of their intro courses. Start with a goal of ~10 min per day and increase time/frequency as you get more into it.
Don't over think it - It will feel weird at first, you will think you suck. But you are learning to overcome & control your brain chatter.
Looking at my app, I have logged 3k+ sessions and I STILL have days where I can't focus. These are the days you need to meditate the most.
Good luck!
This post was edited on 3/30/24 at 10:30 am
Posted on 4/1/24 at 4:27 pm to LSU Delirium
Insight Timer is a free app you can download that has over 20,000 free meditations. It has a subscription service but I’ve never used it.
If you’re not used to sitting or that’s uncomfortable for you, try short (5-10 minute) guided meditations. The breathwork is what you want to focus on.
If you’re not used to sitting or that’s uncomfortable for you, try short (5-10 minute) guided meditations. The breathwork is what you want to focus on.
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