How Meditation Changed My Life and Career
I was diagnosed with anxiety at the age of 12 after a series of deaths in my family.
My nights were spent terrified of whom I’d lose next in my life; I also trembled at the thought of my own mortality. I still do, like many people.
I’m one of 40 million American adults — just over 18 percent of the total adult population — who still lives with anxiety disorder. And like those other 40 million people, I let my brain get the better of me: I worry a lot (this was passed on to me from my mother and grandmother — thanks, ladies!), and I’m a staunch perfectionist and horrific self-doubter. Sometimes these demons eek their way into my day-to-day life, including my career.
As a content strategist and writer, it’s important to keep your mind fairly clear, to give it space to breathe. An anxiety-riddled brain (for those who don’t know) can easily run off on a number of different paths, thoughts, and concerns. And it’s easy to let that “anxiety brain” run the show in the office when I have a growing to-do list and back-to-back meetings.
So, I decided to nip it in the bud. Rather than live with a fluttering heart of worry, I worked meditation into my nearly daily routine. The results? It’s made positive impacts on not only how I look at not only my career but the world around me.
I allowed — or “gifted” — myself just 10 minutes a day.
Like many Americans, I’m always concerned I don’t have enough time.
We’re busy people. Between home, work, school, family, and our own leisure to keep us grounded, it’s hard to squeeze everything into a week, let alone day by day.
When I explored meditation, I started small. I downloaded Headspace on my phone, which features ten free/no-cost 10-minute sessions, all guided by Andy, the founder and CEO of Headspace. It teaches you how to breathe, how to relax, and most importantly, how to acknowledge your thoughts “like clouds in the sky” and let them pass.
Ten minutes a day was a perfect fit for me and my anxious body and brain. This app was particularly valuable because it doesn’t require you sit a certain way, or have a fancy pillow, or light any candles. You can do it anytime, anywhere — seated, lying down, at the office, in the car, or at home.
What I found was 10 minutes quickly became 15 or 20 minutes. I’m still not much further than 20 minutes (there are people who meditate for hours a day!) but I’ve found that that breathing space is essential to my well-being.
Meditation impacted how I respond to my environment. And work.
When you gift yourself the power of space, you’ll see it resonate in all aspects of your life. I take the stress and worry with a little bit more ease. I still have a long way to go, but I find myself taking deep breaths more, smiling more, and accepting things for what they are.
Meditation leads to better and more wholesome sleep for me, especially since I squeeze it in after crawling under the covers. I wake feeling more refreshed, which sets the tone for my whole day, no matter how busy it may be.
I’ve also found my abilities as a content strategist and overall team member have improved. I listen more politely, I ask more thoughtful and valuable questions, and I create better quality work. It’s also boosted my trust in processes, no matter how new it might be.
Personal struggles inside and outside of the office have become easier to bear and get through. I communicate better, I can understand my feelings and emotions better, and I generally make healthier choices: Less complaining, more thankfulness, and healthier habits.
Healthier habits have helped, too.
Because I’ve been focusing on putting my mental health and spirituality first, my habits have gotten healthier. Better rest has given me more energy to devote to daily activity, whether going for a walk or doing 30 minutes of yoga.
I also find myself being less tied to my devices. I’ve stepped away from some of my social networks and have put my nose back into books (with real pages!) and crocheting.
Because my mind feels lighter, I eat better, too. Healthier snacks at work lead to healthy, balanced meals for lunch and dinner.
All of these changes are in the back of my mind, reminding me to keep out the clutter, whether it’s junk food or daily worries. And meditation is that daily checkpoint to do just that. It’s a cycle: If I wake up feeling good, so I want to keep the good vibes going.
Start small — you can do it!
Don’t put pressure on yourself to start big and dive in for 30–45 minute meditation sessions. Download an app or two (check out my recommendations below) and take it with you when you walk your dogs; cozy up in bed with some earbuds and listen before you fall asleep; or wake up 10 minutes earlier for work and squeeze in a short session before you head out the door.
My favorite meditation apps
Recommended apps for iPhone and Android — all free, and with plenty of paid subscription options if that’s your style:
- Headspace
- Calm
- Insight Timer
- 10% Happier (also recommend the book by the same name)
If you’re already meditating, share your thoughts and experiences below. How has it helped you? What ways has it impacted your life?
Happy meditating!
As originally appeared on my personal blog, at erintiesman.weebly.com.
