Meditation is a great way to chill out and get focused. It can help relieve stress, improve relationships, and make you a better person, but it can also be hard to fit into a busy schedule.
Meditation gifs are making their way around the internet, and they’re not only fun and relaxing, but also incredibly effective at guiding you through breathing techniques. They’re like visual mantras that encourage you to do what they say and can help reinforce your new habit.
A simple breathing technique that many people find helpful is to count their inhalations and exhalations, which helps your body relax. “For many people, counting their breaths gets them out of their head,” says Dr. Rinzler.
This GIF is a great tool for anyone who wants to calm their minds with a simple exercise, according to Dr. Duff.
The image is so entrancing that it’s hard not to slow down your breathing when you see it. Just watch the shape slowly expand and deflate, then repeat the process over and over again for about five seconds each time.
Getting sleepy while meditating is a common complaint among meditators, but it’s not always an indication of a lack of attention. It can actually be a sign that your mind is in a more relaxed state than usual, so it’s easier to focus.
How meditation works in your brain
Meditation works by increasing the perception of a distance between the stimulus (the thing you’re focusing on) and your response. It can help you reframe your thought patterns, such as “I’m busy” to “I’m productive.” It can also increase your sense of connection and empathy toward others, which is a great way to boost mood.