Once thought in the Western world to be impractical and ineffective, meditation is an important tool in the fight against dependency and addiction. If you have fears that you are unable to change your habits at this point in your life, lay them aside: scientific research has proven that the adult mind is much more flexible than once believed. By training through mindful meditation with Foothills Centre for Change, you can create new neural networks in your brain and temper the negative thoughts and feelings associated with addiction.
Many Modes of Meditation
There are many different meditative exercises you can try. Each can be tailored to fit your timeframe as well as your state of mind. These include:
- Breathing: breathing in and out normally, inhalation and exhalation in a slow rhythm. This is generally a good place to start.
- Progressive muscle relaxation: this brings awareness to every part of your body, relaxing you from head to toe
- Guided: A trained teacher or therapist will guide you through the meditation process. This is also a good place to start if you’ve never meditated before.
- Movement meditation: These involve physical activity, such as yoga, walking, or hiking, being aware of where every part of your body moves.
- Mantra meditation: repeating a word or phrase out loud or internally. This can help focus your mind on one place as you breathe.
Benefits of Mindful Meditation
Practicing mindful meditation even four hours a week has a positive effect on the brain, thickening the mid-prefrontal cortex (the area that controls thoughts, optimism, and a sense of well-being and possibility) and the mid-insular region (the area that controls emotions). It may even positively affect the activity of the amygdala, the walnut-sized center of the brain responsible for regulating the emotional response, anxiety, and adrenaline. Meditation has even been shown to streamline how the body cleanses itself of toxins like lactic acids which can alter moods. By building new neural connections and developing the brain, you actually rewire how it works and bring it back to a healthy functioning level.
Discover how you can free yourself from addiction and dependency with help from Foothills Centre for Change. We will take you through our specially-designed program that includes mindful meditation, group therapy, and physical exercise. Contact us today and see what a difference we can help you make in your life.