I have dabbled a bit in meditation over the last couple months. And I have found this exercise to be beneficial. I have started to do this before my workdays and I find it has helped me focus better and sometimes perform better mentally. I unfortunately sit a lot at my job, so by taking 5-10 minutes each morning to do a short mindfulness exercise or breathing exercise helps my mental and physical stamina. I feel better able to focus my thoughts as I strive to diagnose and treat my patients. I have also felt less stressed in the evening as I interact with my family members.
I have used various meditations tracks myself: Audible, Aaptiv, and Breathe. I think there are dozens (if not hundreds) of other options out there, both free and for a fee. Of course, just glancing out the window, or closing my eyes, and focusing on my breath for several breaths is another good way to meditate briefly when I get a free moment in between patients, or when sitting in traffic, or sitting in a waiting room.
I think it has been so easy for me to occupy all of my free time with more and more things to do. Chores. Reading. Podcasts. Audiobooks. TV. Streaming services online. I find that meditation has forced me to take a moment for myself, away from all of these distractions. To close my eyes or stare off into space for a brief moment, focusing on my body and emotions, focus on my breathing, focus on the moment.
Mental health is easy for me to take for granted. But when it is out of balance, I definitely feel it. There are several moments in my busy life when my mind is frazzled and tired. December can be stressful, when preparing long and hard for the Christmas season. I get worried and anxious when preparing for my children’s birthday parties. I also feel wiped out at the end of a long and trying work day, or when I have a “bad day.”
I strive to physically exercise several times a week now as I have become dedicated to my running. After resuming running several years ago, I would sorely miss this if I went back to a life without regular physical exercise. Running regularly was not easy at first, but has grown to be more enjoyable after 6-12 months of dedicated practice. I just started exercising my “mental muscle” via meditation. As I am a beginner, I often find the practice difficult and challenging. But in time, I suspect it will get easier and more rewarding.