SOS: Stress Rescue Meditation

Relieve stress in 5 minutes

The first step to move away from stress and head toward success is to just STOP!  The Breath Rescue Meditation is a perfect tool to stop stress in its tracks and to create a path of least resistance. It allows your mind to clear, your body to relax and will help you get refocused on your intended goal.  Practice this meditation if you find yourself feeling tense, overwhelmed or irritable.

Find a quiet place where you are not likely to be disturbed. At home, you may shut the phone and find a comfortable chair. At the office, you might slip into an unused office or conference room. Even sitting in your car will do the trick. The most important part find place where you can sit in a comfortable position. Preferably, your feet should flat on the ground with your back straight to prevent your mind from becoming sleepy.

Gently close your eyes and turn your attention to your breathing. Just breathe naturally. It is best to breathe through the nostrils, but it is more important not to attempt to control your breath. As you bring your focus to your breathing, try to also notice the sensation of the breath as it enters and leaves the nostrils. This sensation is your “object” or focal point of the meditation. It will keep you from being distracted by external noises. Optimally, awareness of your breath should be to the exclusion of everything else.

Initially, your mind will be very busy, and you might even feel that the meditation is making your mind busier. In reality, you are just becoming more aware of how busy your mind actually is. There will be a great temptation to follow the different thoughts as they arise, but you should dismiss this and remain focused specifically on the sensation of the breath. If you discover that your mind has wandered and is following your thoughts, no harm, simply return your attention back to the breath. Repeat this as many times as necessary until the mind settles on the breath.

Do the Breath Rescue Meditation for at least one minute, but five to ten minutes would be better. As you regularly practice this exercise, you will find that your tension subsides more easily and you experience an immediate sense of inner peace and relaxation. You will notice that you are calmer, refreshed and more focused. Your attitude naturally feels uplifted. You will find that usual problems or difficult situations will become easier to deal with and you will once again be back on track with success!