Relaxation Meditation for Sports Women
Meditation is a state of concentrated attention on some object of thought or awareness. It usually involves turning the attention inward to a single point of reference. Different meditative disciplines encompass a wide range of spiritual and psychophysical practices which can emphasize development of a high degree of mental concentration.
Types of Relaxation Meditation
Meditation can also be defined as “self regulation of attention”. The various techniques of meditation can be classified according to their focus. Some focus on the field or background perception and experience, called mindfulness meditation; others focus on a preselected specific object, and are called concentrative meditation. There are also techniques that shift between the field and the object.
Mindfulness Meditation
In mindfulness meditation, the meditator sits comfortably and silently, centering attention by focusing awareness on an object or process such as breathing, a sound, a visualisation, or an exercise. The meditator is usually encouraged to maintain an open focus.
Concentration Meditation
In concentration meditation the meditator holds attention on a particular object, for example, a repetitive prayer, while minimizing distractions and bringing the mind back to concentrate on the chosen object.
Benefits of Meditation for Sports Women
Many athletes and sports professionals regularly employ meditation methods. Studies have found a direct co-relation between concentration exercises or the meditation and the performance level of sports professionals. Meditation strengthens the mind. The mind comes under control and is able to provide effective guidance to the physical body to effectively execute all its projects. Psychological exercises are a powerful way of improving concentration and improving mental strength. When the mind focuses on a particular part of the body, the blood flow to that part increases and cells receive more oxygen and other nutrients in abundance.
Health Benefits of Relaxation Meditation
Though meditation is usually recognized as a spiritual practice, it also has many health benefits.
- It lowers oxygen consumption.
- It decreases respiratory rate.
- It increases blood flow and slows the heart rate.
- It also leads to a deeper level of relaxation.
- Meditation reduces anxiety attacks by lowering the levels of blood lactate.
- It decreases muscle tension or any pain due to tension and headaches.
- Meditation builds self-confidence.
- It increases serotonin production which influences mood and behavior. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression, obesity, insomnia and headaches.
- Meditation reduces pre-menstrual syndrome. Meditation can help to resolve the deepest of neuroses, fears and conflict which play their part in causing stress and ill health.
Easy Meditation Techniques for Relaxation
Focusing on breathing: This is done by sitting quietly and comfortably and with closed eyes. One needs to start by relaxing the muscles of the feet and work up the body. Attention should be focused on breathing. Deep breathing should be practiced.
Focusing on an object: Attention is focused on examination of an object. The shape, color differences, texture, temperature, and movement of the object is generally examined in an immense detail.
Focusing on a sound: The classic example is the Sanskrit word “Om”, meaning “perfection”.
Focusing using imagery: This can be a very refreshing and pleasant way of meditating. Create a mental image of a pleasant and relaxing place in your mind.
Listening to meditation scripts: These are usually in the form of CDs and cassettes, and is one of the best methods of relaxation meditation.