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For thousands of years meditation has been practiced to cultivate mindfulness and expand consciousness. Meditation has grown exponentially in popularity in recent years. In addition to the zen benefits traditionally associated with meditation, we are starting to learn more about how meditation is helping individuals perform while reducing their stress and anxiety.

Many professional sports teams are encouraging their players to meditate. Phil Jackson, NBA coach and Zen Master, introduced meditation to his championship teams in Chicago and Los Angeles. More recently Pete Carroll, coach of the 2014 Super Bowl Champions, the Seattle Seahawks, included meditation into the team’s training regime.

In this video, I discuss 3 ways in which meditation can help you with your performance whether you are an athlete, entrepreneurs, or an artist.

 

 

1. Meditation helps to manage and reduce stress

Studies show that meditation decreases one’s heart rate, blood pressure and stress hormones. As a result, one experiences less stress and anxiety, and it encourages relaxation throughout the body. If you are in a high-stakes meeting or at the free throw line, you want to be in a state of relaxation. 

2. Meditation helps to regulate our thoughts

Individuals who are more mindful can more easily stabilize their emotions and have better control over their moods. With practice, we learn to not get tied up with our thoughts. It also becomes easier to regulate our thoughts and emotions, both of which are important when we are in the zone and need to perform.

3. Meditation helps us focus

Research has shown that meditation can improve the brain’s ability to focus. This ability to focus gives us more control over our mind and body, like our heart rate. And of course, the ability to focus can have tremendous impact on our performance. 

 

How to start meditating?

You can start off by sitting in silence. This can be for any amount of time. If you are new to meditation start with 2 minutes and take deep breaths. Or you can listen to a guided meditation on YouTube (here is one: http://bit.ly/1BBZaM0). You can also garden or go for a walk. You do not have to sit on a pillow in silence. Meditation is whatever activity allows you to be fully present and in the moment.

 

Have you tried to boost your performance with meditation? I would love to hear about it.