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| © 2007 impaulsive photography, Flickr | CC-BY | via Wylio |
First, meditation teaches you the value of deep breathing. It's very calming, which is a benefit, but in my opinion, the real value is that deep breathing in combination with exercise helps get oxygen to to the brain, allowing it to create new brain cells and repair damaged tissue. Secondly, we've talked about how migraine and PPPD make the.brain extra sensitive to external stimuli. Meditation teaches you to disregard the stimuli, and with me, it seems to be happening even sub-consciously. As the brain gets stronger and calmer, it is better able to defend itself from over stimulation.
I have also found that guided imagery works really well during meditation. I picture my brain healing, growing new brain cells, creating new synapses. And I picture myself breathing in healing oxygen and breathing out toxins or any unwanted symptoms. I found some really helpful guided meditation and imagery tracks on www.healthjourneys.com. The one on Traumatic Brain Injury works well for me, but they have tons to choose from and you can buy them online and download them straight to your mobile device.
If you just want to get started with meditation, Calm.com (or use the Calm app) has lots of excellent guided meditation exercises for free. There's also soothing music you can use for meditation on your own. I also use the calming music sometimes when I practice my Tai Chi.
You know, I have to wonder if I had started meditation while I was going through the extraordinary stress at my workplace if I might have avoided this whole journey. But regardless, I am finding it invaluable now. I meditate about 25 minutes a day, but it doesn't have to be that much. I think doing it every day is more important than the amount of time you spend. I'd say if you don't have 25 minutes, try for 10.
I'd love to hear from you if you have any questions or comments. And if you like any of these articles, please share them using the buttons below.
