If you feel aches and pains, you might find yourself reaching for a bottle of pain relievers more often than you’d like. Did you know there is a free and simple way to feel better?
Meditation can help your brain release endorphins which are natural pain relievers. Muscles and tissues around your joints are more relaxed, and your brain is in a calmer state, so you’ll feel less pain.
When you’re stressed, your body triggers the release of stress hormones, causing inflammation, and increasing pain to your already irritated joints. Meditation shifts your focus to something quiet and calm, reducing inflammation and pain.
To get started, choose a posture that works for you during your chosen period of meditation time. Relax your shoulders and release any tension you notice in your body – especially neck, jaw and other physical tension magnets – but keep your back straight to support awareness and discourage drowsiness.
Now that you’re settled in, turn your attention to your breath. Just place the attention on your breath as it comes in, and follow it through your nose all the way down to your lungs. Try counting “one” as you take in the first breath, then “two” as you breathe out. Repeat this to the count of 10, then start again at one.
Your mind will wander. This is certainty. There’s no problem with that. When you notice your mind wandering, gently return to your breath. Count “one” again, and start over. You might feel a little frustration, but it’s perfectly normal, we all do it. That’s why meditation is a practice.
Finally, really commit to it. Don’t just try it for a couple of days and move on. To reap the benefits of meditation, you’ll likely have to do it for a little while until you find a good groove.
Curious about other health, exercise, or pain management tips? Contact the top orthopedic doctors at ProOrtho today. Request an appointment here.
