Want to know how meditation or a deep breathing practice actually benefits you? Don’t take our word for it. Measure it in yourself!
Keep a journal for your practice. It could be on your phone, computer, tablet, or even a good old-fashioned pen and paper.
Before Your Practice
Take stock of how you feel in the present moment before you begin your meditation or deep breathing practice. Ask yourself:
- How am I breathing right now?
- How does my body feel?
- How do I feel emotionally?
You can write thorough paragraphs or simple one-word answers. You could even draw an image to represent your current state.
Then, check your blood sugar. Is it high? Low? Healthy? If you check your blood sugar when you’re stressed, you can look for trends. You might notice that stress can affect your blood sugar!
Start Your Practice
After you check in with yourself, practice your meditation or deep breathing exercises. Enjoy a comfortable space. Try not to indulge distractions or thoughts. Just focus your attention on your breathing.
Check In Afterward
When you’ve finished, check in with yourself. Ask yourself:
- How am I breathing now?
- How do I feel?
- Do I notice any different sensations in my body or my mind?
Then compare your answers. Did your mood improve after your practice? Are you breathing slower? Does your body feel better or worse? What was the experience like for you?
Track your meditation or deep breathing practice often. Your mood log will give you useful insight into your experience and how you can make it work best for you!