31-Day Meditation Challenge

Hello, blog reader! Today, I’m writing about my 31-day meditation challenge! The challenge is super simple. Meditate once a day for at least ten minutes for thirty one days. Why 31? August has 31 days in it, so I’m committing for the full month.

Pat introduced me to Headspace when we first started dating. I am not affiliated with Headspace in any way, but I’m about to rave because I really do love it and feel it has made a difference in my life. Headspace is an app that includes guided meditations and mindfulness exercises. I’ve experimented with quite a few guided meditations on YouTube and Spotify, but Headspace has been a total game changer for me. The app is clean and easy to use, and Andy, who leads all the guided meditations, has a very soothing voice. It’s also helpful to have access to many guided meditations no matter where I am, since the app is on my phone. You can try the first ten meditations for free, but after that, you’ll have to subscribe.

Why am I doing a meditation challenge? Meditation has enormous benefits. Some of the benefits I’ve personally experienced are reduced symptoms of anxiety and increased self-esteem. And the more frequently we practice meditation, the more beneficial it becomes. Here’s Andy Puddicombe, the founder of Headspace, doing a TedTalk about the benefits of meditation: Click here

Here are 5 ways that meditation can improve your life:

You may find more information about the effects of meditation on anxiety here, here, here, and here.

Visit here for more information about the effects of meditation on self-esteem.

Click here and here to find out more about how meditation can help improve concentration.

You may find more information here about the effects of meditation on sleep.

Finally, visit here and here for more information about how meditation can stimulate creativity.

I will give periodic updates on my meditation challenge on the blog, and I encourage you to give it a try! If you’re interested in trying out Headspace for free, you can click here to learn more and to snag your free trial.

If you’re not ready to try out an app, here are some resources for free guided meditations, as well as some links to free guided meditations on YouTube:

UCLA Guided Meditations

DoYogaWithMe Guided Meditations

The Chopra Center Guided Meditations

Yoga With Adriene Meditation for Anxiety

Guided Sleep Meditation for Insomnia

Breathing Exercise/Meditation for Panic and Anxiety Attacks

Remember, guys, meditation is not a replacement for professional help. If you are struggling with mental health issues, please take the time to speak with a mental health care professional. If you are struggling with physical health issues, please make an appointment with a medical professional. ❤