Dear Miranda I took a course 10 years ago and practiced it for a few months. Unfortunately I did not continue!. It is a very effective technique for stress relief and relaxation.

The benefits of meditation are manifold because it can reverse your stress response, thereby shielding you from the effects of chronic stress. When practicing meditation, your heart rate and breathing slow down, your blood pressure normalizes, you use oxygen more efficiently, and you sweat less. Your adrenal glands produce less cortisol, your mind ages at a slower rate, and your immune function improves. Your mind also clears and your creativity increases. People who meditate regularly find it easier to give up life-damaging habits like smoking, drinking and drugs. Meditation research is still new, but promising.

http://stress.about.com/od/tensiontamers/p/profilemeditati.htm

I am waiting answers from our friends in India, since there, such a practise is popular, as I have heard.

Meditation has been practiced in almost every religion, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Perhaps we can even view that prayer is related to meditation.

Dear Miranda I took a course 10 years ago and practiced it for a few months. Unfortunately I did not continue!. It is a very effective technique for stress relief and relaxation.

The benefits of meditation are manifold because it can reverse your stress response, thereby shielding you from the effects of chronic stress. When practicing meditation, your heart rate and breathing slow down, your blood pressure normalizes, you use oxygen more efficiently, and you sweat less. Your adrenal glands produce less cortisol, your mind ages at a slower rate, and your immune function improves. Your mind also clears and your creativity increases. People who meditate regularly find it easier to give up life-damaging habits like smoking, drinking and drugs. Meditation research is still new, but promising.

http://stress.about.com/od/tensiontamers/p/profilemeditati.htm

Dear Miranda,

It is also very popular in China. It is rooted in martial arts and health regimes for over 2 thousand years. There are many many forms and styles. Some bear influences by budhist monks from India many years ago.

I practice one form occasionally. It is very helpful to my health in general.

I did not try medication for stress removal, and do not advise others to try them; only in emergency cases can these medications be taken. Stress should be treated by removing sources of stress.

Yes I agree with Miranda and Behrouz about meditation, but I didn't try it jet. I think that I have to start and practice it.

In fact, I did not take or even think to take any meditation for removal of stress.

I have the impression that there is a kind of meditation practiced by specialist in this and a kind of meditation, very loose, and difficult to recognise as such. Deep thinking together with appropriate music give nice results. I suggest to you Philip Glass music:

Meditation could be one of the ways for removing stress as most if the contributors so far mentioned and discussed against the present question asked by Miranda. But this has to be learnt and there could be inconsistency of results between individual subjects.

I like more Abdellah,s comment that removal of sources of stress is better option to stay calm and relaxed. In realistic situation this may not be always possible but everyone should have personalized remedies to cope with the situation. It could be listening to music, songs, physical excercise, spending quality time with kids and families or even watching movies or games.

I personally never practiced meditation, what I did when I feel overwhelmed and stressed I take brisk walk for half an hour and to me it seems very effective.

Meditation is a practice in which an attempt is made to drive away all thoughts in mind. This is difficult, so a name, preferably a god's name is recited, while shutting out all other things and mind is made to concentrate at one point. Possibly, during this process, our mind calms down, distressing thoughts are removed and this helps our whole system. I have tried this, it is helpful and one feels at peace with oneself and surroundings. This definitely helps in research as well as all other endeavors. A few minutes everyday, at any time is enough.

Listening to Music alone in solitude is another form of meditation and it is soothing and medicinal too.

Thanks for your views. It seems that many of you have interest in this topic. Each person may have a slightly different way of carrying it out, it's fine :)

@Ouyang, I attended a course where I learned Yoga breathing and exercises. All the time, Self-talk and meditation, pushing myself to the limit, telling myself 'do it'...

@Abedallah, at times there's a lot of work, quite often in fact. When the stress can't be removed, I need to meditate.

Abedallan and Behrouz, all Muslim friends, I wish you a Healthy Fasting month soon:)

Dear Miranda, I spend about 75 minutes everyday in the morning on meditation and yoga. It gives me amazing feeling of energy, freshness and relaxation. Since the time I have been doing it regularly, I feel far more healthier overall than before, which help me in my role as an academic and researcher. I suggest this to all who have faith in it.

Bravo, Prof Debi. Keep it up.

I have a quiet time, read the Bible for a few minutes, pray and collect all my thoughts before I sleep...

Dear All,

It seems to me that everybody agrees but only some practice meditation (yoga). My question is why do not we do meditation? I was a child when I first read a book on yoga and tried to do exercises and meditation but the result was too modest. During years I tried again and again with permanent hope but in vain.

Dear Debi,

How should we do it?

Dear Miranda, Few years back I was fully occupied with many responsibilities at home as well as in the department. I was very frustrated when my friend introduced me to this new world of peace.

I started meditation and yoga for 30 minutes every morning. It is truly very useful and can only be experienced when we implicate it. I listen to Gayatri mantra during meditation. In the end of process, I practice self evaluation and planning for the day.

The process is same as Mrs Jaya stated.

Dear Miranda

Benefits of meditation are

1. Lower blood pressure

2. Better sleep

3. Less anxiety

4. Faster healing

5. Decreased use of drugs, alcohol and cigarettes

6. Lower cholesterol

7. Stronger immune response

Dear @Miranda, I have not practised at all.Who knows, reading this comments I may accept good advices since many benefits are fine outputs,as it is mentioned. Of course, impact in research and teaching should be obvious! My approach to stress removal is fishing and watching the water! Water relax a lot!

@Miranda, I feel relaxed on the water, especially when i catch some nice fish! Regards from Danube!

It may seem strange, but I meditate when I do something I like, such as listening to music or playing a sport (cyclism). I have a relax and order in my ideas.

Dear friends, thanks for your views.

@Andras, as Asian, I'm used to sitting on the floor, and the sitting position is as posted by Behrouz. But just sit as comfortably as you can and breathe deeply. Meditation helps me to focus on God, my Provider, not on myself or my problems. Then the things that are used in our congregational readings in church come to my mind, and I focus on those things, like this one from Proverbs 3, that says happiness comes from wisdom rather than wealth:

'Happy is the one who finds wisdom,

Wisdom is more precious than rubies, than gold,

Length of days is in her right hand; in her left hand, riches and honor,

Her ways are pleasant and peaceful

Wisdom is a tree of life,

Happy are all who retain her.'

Other friends like Prof Debi may like to share his meditations; just do what is good for you; besides we have different religions and yet accept one another.... :)

Dear Prof Ljubomir,

Is it your summer holidays now? Have peaceful holidays! Or you can still commute to work each day from the Danube? How is your family?

Wow, the fish is huge enough for your family and fishing friends :) With the Danube and many other rivers, you don't really need the sea!

Dear Miranda, i practiced yoga as a fitness sport, not for meditation. It a very distress sport. However it is better to remove the object of stress. If not possible try to ovoid it or ignore it. Prayers are as well object of meditations and distress, listening to music , walking in nature, looking to the sea waves...etc...The most distress tool is thinking

I agree with Respected @Ljubomir Jacić. It is not vital to have formal mediation like Yoga etc. It may vary from person to person. When ever I look at smiling faces, I feel refreshed and more focused. Therefore, it is kind of mediation that works for me.

Dear Miranda

Whenever possible I do meditation

In the West, meditation has become synonymous with relaxation body and even the Christian and evangelical religions joined the word meditation to refer to the act of faith.

There are several techniques ranging from simple breaths to calm down until autosuggestion and visualization meditations. What really matters is being relaxed, eyes closed and with very smooth breathing. The technique can be performed sitting or lying down, the feeling of relaxation state must be total. Meditation produces a pleasurable sensation, helping us to face with the stresses of everyday life

Dear Andras

I do not have theoretical knowledge about yoga, pranayaam and meditation. But I do just five simple things that are attached 10-15 minutes each: They are:

1. Kapaal Bhaati

2. Anulom Vilom

3. Bhastrika

4. Butterfly (titli) asana

5. the meditating technique I do is of Mata Nirmala Devi--i am forgetting its name (may be I mail you something on it after asking a student who had guided me into it with whom presently i have lost contact)

Hope this helps

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwHfXLaa984

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiKs-zk45HI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMoqzvUAb5o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77yDLrRWCIg

Dear Debi, Thank you for providing the video links. They are certainly great to watch. Here are more videos.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoYnqvadurg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jyy0ra2WcQQ

http://www.yogajournal.com/category/meditation/meditation-classes/video-meditation/

Dear Debi,

Many thanks for the information and the video demonstrations. I will try it!

Thanks for the videos, Prof Debi. Friends, we have good reasons to practice. Quality of life is important.....

Dear friends, just do it. Early morning and night are probably the best times. And, You don't even need special gear.

The pose may be very modest (as Andras commented). The knees may not be on the floor, what harm is there? It doesn't have to be perfect. It's the smooth breathing and relaxing thoughts that count. (For some humor, this child may be thinking of ice-cream!)

Yes Miranda, smooth and deep breathing with mind concentration distress the body from its toxins, relax the mind and evacuate from it bad thinking and bad energies (at the end of the fitness session we feel as new born!!). The body concentrates in itself more oxygen and more positive energy for good work and new ideas.

You have said it well, dear Fairouz :)) m.

'Posted: 17 Jun 2014 06:01 PM PDT

A new study reports a potential link between stress hormones and short-term memory loss in older adults. The study reveals that having high levels of cortisol—a natural hormone in our body whose levels surge when we are stressed—can lead to memory lapses as we age.'

Fairouz, it must be a feeling of heavenly peace this little one is experiencing :)

I have done a little yoga and find it very useful in reducing stress. I believe meditation is a great way to reduce worry and stress no matter what form.

Yes, Renee, et al., I agree about yoga and meditation :))

Dear Fairouz, Great ideas: 'smooth and deep breathing with mind concentration distress the body from its toxins, relax the mind and evacuate from it bad thinking and bad energies (at the end of the fitness session we feel as new born!!). The body concentrates in itself more oxygen and more positive energy for good work and new ideas.'

@ Renee , you are absolutely right. Here is report from medicinenet confirming the effect of meditation in relieving the stress and relaxation:

A simple technique practiced for as few as 10 minutes per day can help you control stress, decrease anxiety, improve cardiovascular health, and achieve a greater capacity for relaxation.

The meditative technique called the "relaxation response" was pioneered in the U.S. by Harvard physician Herbert Benson in the 1970s.

The technique has gained acceptance by physicians and therapists worldwide as a valuable adjunct to therapy for symptom relief in conditions ranging from cancer to AIDS.

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=46268

Dear @Miranda, @Behrouz...., I do believe, more and more, fishing is a fine stress reliever! Read this blog about! Mark Twain was a fisherman! Good reading!

http://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/fishing-as-a-stress-reliever.aspx#axzz35HSkZLRC

Yes Behrouz, Prof Ljubomir and friends: all those are stress removers. Please include yoga, meditation, fishing.

Why is fishing a good stress reliever? I think part of the reason is that we look on the water and also we have to keep silent so as not to disturb the fish. The water movement has a rhythm, right? Rhythmic things (even sweeping and mopping the floor) remove stress. Let's do more rhythmic things too :))

Dear friends, some active people are exercising to remove stress. Even in the high heat and high temperatures (40Celsius) of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Lijo cycles 40 km to beat the stress. The (King Saud) university buildings are in the background Just imagine the amount of endorphins created :)

Fantastic! Say to @Lijo that it is a good spot for fishing! :)

Dear Prof Ljubomir and friends, even looking at the water that's so cool and calm, when the temperature of the air around you is 40 Celsius, will reduce Lijo's stress. Lijo must be where there's water, to remove its salinity. And you must be where there's water - to fish and relax :)

@Miranda, yesterday in South of Italy temperature was more than 30 Celsius. I spoked about physical exercise as a way to remove the stress. Similarly to our friend Lijo, I cycled 50 Km to beat my stress and put order in my mind.

Dear @Ierardi, don't You think it is too much drive under such weather conditions. Take care my friend. By the way, have You beaten your stress!?

@Ljubomir, I think so. I am alone with myself as you when fishing. The body works in a aerobic exercise, while the mind is free to look at the problems from a very detached and therefore much more polished point of view. The same happens when I am playing or listening music.

Thanks Profs Ljubomir and Enzo.

@Enzo, please be careful on the roads. A few months ago, one of our national cyclists was knocked down by a car, when practicing, before his sports competition. As long as you find a safe place to cycle (is university campus safe enough?), then it's fine :)

@Prof Ljubomir, what is the way to remove stress when you are not in RAM, on the Danube? When you are at college or at home...?

Take care, all of you my friends... :)

Friends, here is a useful link on meditation, for those who want to know more about it.

http://psychology.about.com/od/statesofconsciousness/fl/What-Is-Meditation.htm?nl=1

@Miranda, it is more than 20 years I am cycling and not only in my town, but also in other towns and even in other countries. I am expert of the risks and attempt to avoid them by choosing roads with very few cars. Obviously, I experienced also some accidents without serious consequences.

@Enzo, keep up your activities, but stay safe. Have a great day.

Friends, related to this thread, I just got this news:

'For children, stress can go a long way. A little bit provides a platform for learning, adapting and coping. But a lot of it — chronic, toxic stress like poverty, neglect and physical abuse — can have lasting negative impacts. A team of researchers recently showed these kinds of stressors, experienced in early life, might be changing the parts of developing children’s brains responsible for learning, memory and the processing of stress and emotion.

University of Wisconsin-Madison, June 27, 2014'

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/06/140627133107.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_science+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+Science+News%29

My dear @Miranda, it is terrible about possible impacts on the child's brain!

Furthermore, speaking about STRESSORS, I find this very good to remember!

http://www.stress.org.uk/stress-solutions/common-stressors.aspx

Thanks Prof Ljubomir.

Dear friends, Please be sure to rest and exercise and do more FISHING and watch World Cup too :) miranda.

Meditation helps in restoring energy, thinks positively, increases concentration and relaxes both body and mind - ultimate is all good good feeling from all angles.

Very true, dear Kuldeep and friends: 'Meditation helps in restoring energy, thinks positively, increases concentration and relaxes both body and mind'.  Let me share too.

the effetcs i observe when i practice the first  steps of meditation : relaxation and breathing, a few years ago. i observe lowered stress, improved emotional well-being.

i stopped now. less time.

To me ,removal or stress cannot be identified along as it has overall psy behavior of human mind .Generally human being has a tendancy to come up in the life & if its works in a positive direction under the right steps it is ahealthy practice but his ambition very often take a direction without under going his own introspection ,his stars looking to a person who has made a successful progress.This also creates a jealousy in the mind .

Sometime in case also an emotion behavior .This creates in his behavior a negative line of action .With the result apart from the stress he also becomes the victim of worries-Tension & Frustration .This are the negative forces of the mind with his conscious & subconscious mind .

In the above line have the removal of stress he should start the practice first to remain calm & quite in his earlier created problems of worries etc .This he can achieve by practicing silent sitting for 15 to 30 minutes everyday .This will certainly help him to streanline the process of his mind & with this develoment he can carry out his introspection in  a very close observation in an impartial mode.He will remain his own observer & with this experience the stress problem will certainly disappear in his working system .

One might be interested on the attached results we obtained on the dynamics of the Autonomic Nervous System during meditation. The relationship between ANS and emotions are well understood so it is expected that techniques like meditation balance the ANS in both physiological and emotional side. Both being part of ANS regulation loop.    

The attached research document outline a physiological evidence (along with wellness feeling) of the meditation benefits and a few others questions are raised up.   

Dear @Miranda, Lauren Ballinger takes the plunge and finds floating in a dark, still pod to be the perfect antidote to modern life!

An hour to spare? Float your worries away in salt-water stillness!

"If you're anything like me there will be precious few moments in the day when you're not staring at some sort of screen.

From reading the news headlines on my phone when I wake up to catching up on social media before I go to bed, I'm doing something on the internet.

It's a wonderful invention, but it does mean many of us are constantly distracted from the present moment - and the rise in popularity of mindfulness to treat stress and help people live more fulfilled lives is testament to how much we want to change that.

You can learn mindfulness techniques in therapy, or from a book or audio course - but in the digital age we've become accustomed to instant gratification with zero effort.

That's where floatation comes in..."

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/trips-and-breaks/float-level-manchester-relaxation-pod-10296468

Thanks much @ Ljubomir for sharing this article and your valuable thoughts.