Get Some Headspace Summary
4 min read ⌚
How Mindfulness Can Change Your Life in Ten Minutes a Day
Studies show that meditation can lower breathing rate, oxygen consumption, heart rate and blood pressure. At the same time, it boosts the immune system.
In our summary of “Get Some Headspace,” a book written by former Buddhist Monk Andy Peddicombe, you will find out how you can make meditation part of your daily routine, and why you should do it.
Who Should Read “Get Some Headspace”? and Why?
Are you frequently stressed, with your mind restless and wandering around? Do you want to experience a moment when you just not think all those unproductive and usually negative thoughts?
Well, you are just one of the many.
The modern pace of life can make burden you with all those opportunities, things to do and places to see.
However, life is not about doing more; it is about enjoying what is.
Meditation can make you aware of the world around you and the things you are experiencing.
However, practicing it is not useful if you do it just a few times when you have time for it. Instead, you need to try to make it part of your daily routine.
That is precisely, what author Andy Puddicombe offers in his book “Get Some Headspace”. He gives you reasons you should adopt the practice of meditation and tips on how to incorporate it into your lifestyle
We recommend this book to all stressed readers looking for a beginner’s guide to meditation.
About Andy Puddicombe
Andy Puddicombe founded Headspace in 2004 wanting to demystify the notions many people have about meditation.
“Get Some Headspace Summary”
Today’s fast-paced life puts pressure on us that can eventually lead to us falling prey to anxiety and stress.
The good news is that it does not have to be that way.
Just imagine a life in which you can live in the moment without being stuck I unproductive thoughts, distractions, and worries.
It sounds lovely, doesn’t it?
This state that we just described is called headspace, and learning to attain it, can immensely improve your life.
So, how can you experience this state and hence live a less stressed life?
By creating a habit of daily meditation. Incorporating meditation into your daily routine can teach you to relax, and bring you a number of benefits.
However, what exactly is meditation?
It is a gentle release of your mind rumble to gain a clearer insight into the present moment. It is becoming conscious of how we feel, and why we feel like that.
Moreover, it is a skill of knowing how to avoid being caught up in endless streams of negative and unproductive thoughts.
Entering a meditative state offers you shelter from all of the distractions and pressures that burden you, and as a result, positively affects your relationships and happiness.
To train your mind, you need to approach it gently.
Be easy on yourself, and give the space you need.
Eventually, happiness will follow.
Key Lessons from “Get Some Headspace”
1. Beginning to Meditate
2. Incorporating Meditation into Your Daily Life
3. Meditation Benefits
Beginning to Meditate
Starting meditation can seem hard since it is difficult for us to imagine a state of clear head and no disruptive thoughts.
However, it may be easier than you think.
Contrary to what you may think, you cannot be good or bad at it. Just be persistent, and you will arrive where you are headed for.
The critical thing to remember is to avoid setting high expectations that will trouble your mind. Also, do not judge the emotions you are feeling and do not avoid negative emotions. Let your mind go where it goes, and unwind at its own pace.
Furthermore, you have to understand that meditation is not about experiencing and holding onto pleasant feelings. In fact, pleasant feelings can trap you, since they feel so good.
Try to observe your feelings, let them flow, and learn to let go.
Meditation will make you happy by heightening your awareness and dropping resistance and relinquishing control.
Being less resistant will allow you to feel comfortable with all emotions you are experiencing, regardless of their nature.
Incorporating Meditation into Your Daily Life
Setting time aside for meditation is fantastic, but sometimes it may not be as easy as it sounds.
So, what can you do to integrate meditation into your everyday life?
You can try walking meditation.
You surely spend some time walking each day, so you do not have to do it passively. Instead, you can use the time to meditate.
Walking is just one of the many ways you can incorporate meditation into your life. In fact, you can do it with just about every mindless activity.
For instance, you can try meditating while running or exercising. Running meditation additionally increases your focus and helps you do the exercise routines with far less effort.
So, you do not have to set aside a specific time each day to clear your mind, because each time you can quiet it down and give up control of every little thing, you have already achieved a moment of mindfulness.
Meditation Benefits
- Improved relationships
Meditation leads to increased levels of understanding and compassion which will improve and nurture your relationships. Being present in the moment improves your listening skills and patience.
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- Improved quality of sleep and eating habits
- Decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression
Meditation teaches you to allow emotions in and out without filtering them and distorting your perception of the world.
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“Get Some Headspace” Quotes
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“Get Some Headspace” is easy to read, easy to understand, and most importantly offers advice that is easy to implement.
Emir is the Head of Marketing at 12min. In his spare time, he loves to meditate and play soccer.