Not everybody will find it easy to sit cross-legged on their yoga mat in the attempts to become present and stress-free. For some of us, our minds are just far too active and no matter how many times we try, we simply can’t stop our minds from wandering off. But have you tried meditative writing?
By practising your writing, you can proactively become present with your mind and your body, enabling you to find peace while releasing stress. Here’s how.
Start a Diary
The traditional idea of writing a diary every day is a think of the past. Whether you want to write daily, once a week or even once a month, it’s completely up to you and what you have time to do. However, the more often that you write, the more you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits.
By writing down your thoughts and feelings, you can actively focus on how you feel and where your mind is presently at. This will help you to become a lot more aware of what’s actually going on in your head. If you’re feeling down, write down what’s going on, and you’ll be surprised on how seeing your thoughts and feeling in front of you gives you a new perspective.
Forget Formatting
You may have some preconceived ideas on how a diary or piece of personal writing should be written, but it really doesn’t matter. You could try like to write a letter to yourself. Maybe create a mind map. You could try writing a list of just single words and short sentences. Write in whatever writing style you feel comfortable with.
Time Yourself
When meditating, many people like to use meditation timers to ensure they meditate for an adequate amount of time. The same should be implemented with writing. Even trying to write for ten minutes a day will allow you to open your mind to your new ideas, giving you the ability to really explore your mind and inner being.
Switch Off
When writing, it’s highly recommended that you leave your personal electronic devices off. Switch off your television and simply give yourself time to concentrate on what you’re doing. It’s easy to write a sentence before heading straight back onto your phone, but even if you keep it locked for ten minutes, you’ll be surprised in how clear and focused your mind can become without the distractions of modern technology.
Take a Deep Breath
The first thing you should do before writing, just to prepare your mind, is to take a deep breath. In fact, take ten deep breaths. When you sit down to write, close your eyes and take ten deep breaths, following your breath from the beginning of the inhale to the end of the exhale. This will help you to become present and to shut off distracting thoughts before you start.
Writing is such a beneficial hobby that can help you to reduce stress and organise your mind. By practising on a regular basis, you’ll be able to become a lot more in tune with your mind, leading to a happier, healthier lifestyle.
