Taking breaks may lead to breakthroughs

Thought it might feel like it at first, meditation isn’t actually doing anything. You might find it difficult to not fidget if you’re new to meditation.

But it’s all worth it once you pass that stage.

What is the reason for meditating? It calms the mind, relaxes the body, releases good feelings into the bloodstream and produces measurable changes in the physical brain.YourYour brain is constantly reacting to stimulation and creating new neural pathways through a process called neuroplasticity. Positive messages have positive effects. Negative messages have negative effects.

And positive ones can increase gray matter volume.

This means the way you talk to yourself is important. Messages like “This may be a lot of work, but I know I can get it done” are key. Because whether you opt for positive or negative, your brain probably believes you!

So, to defeat feelings of being overworked and overwhelmed, try this. Sit still, breathe deeply and picture something pleasant — or better yet, something you feel grateful for. When your attention strays (and it will), just keep bringing it back to your breath and whatever image you’ve chosen.

Even 5 minutes can make a big difference. But don’t be surprised if your sessions start naturally getting longer because meditation just feels good.

Best of all, you might return to the task that felt like a major challenge with a new perspective — and maybe some creative inspiration — to help you get the job done. Efficiently. Effectively.

And with a deep sense of calm.