There are several studies that show the importance of meditation in reduction of depression and anxiety. According to a study published by American academics, people who practice transcendental meditation showed 48% decline in symptoms of depression. It was shown that approximately 47% of them experienced fewer heart attacks compared to people who didn’t meditate. A meditation room in your house gives you the perfect place for some lone time. It is a space for silence and a sanctuary for you to connect with yourself. Planning your perfect meditation room is easy. All you need to do is taking care of a few things as follows:
a) Choose a place: Your meditation space must be warm and quiet. If that place happens to be closer to greenery or opens up to lush green trees, consider yourself lucky! Nothing connects the mind better than nature. Even if the place doesn’t afford a beautiful locale, you can always alter it to create a nature-like setting. A few potted plants can do wonders! A poster or statue of Buddha or something calming can also help.
b) The Space Should be Clean: Clutter makes the mind anxious and restless. Clean the place and keep it free of clutter. A clean and hygienic atmosphere helps to relax the mind.
c) Furniture: Ideally, sitting upright helps to connect with the inner self better. However, if you practice Shavasana or any other asana that helps you drift off to sleep, a couch would be good. If sitting on the floor isn’t possible, use a chair. Meditation should not be done on bare floor. Instead a yoga mat or warm blanket must be used.
d) Lighting: Bright lights are not suitable for meditation. Soft lighting relaxes the mind and body. The lighting should help to slow down your brain’s rhythm aiding relaxation.
e) Music: Relaxing music helps to visualize. It guides you to think about something relaxing and pleasing. While it may help initially, later on you may realize that relaxation becomes easy just by simply sitting in your favorite corner without a background music.
f) Coloring of the room: Needless to say, a pale and neutral palette helps to relax better than bright colors. If space constraints do not allow a separate room, you can shift focus to the colors of the curtains used.
g) Other accessories: Incense sticks, essence oils, rose petals and other aromatic fragrances relax the mind. However, if you are allergic to strong aroma, you shouldn’t use them.
Given a choice between hatred and love, everyone would prefer the latter. Meditation helps to gain an insight into the cause of anger and get rid of negativity.
