Dear Roopashree,
A lot of people advocate meditation.
Can you please tell me the right way and the right time to do meditation?
I have tried but I get distracted very easily.
Also, how exactly does meditation help us?
Thanks,

Ans: Yes, yoga and meditation can certainly help you relax and get better sleep. But before that it is important to identify what could be the reasons for poor quality sleep. Basic sleep hygiene practices are also important - such as not taking caffeine or naps after 4pm, minimizing anything that'll put you in an alert state around bed time such as intense exercise or work discussions, cool room at around 21C, room to be dark with minimal disturbance, getting appropriate sunlight exposure upon waking up, going to bed at the same time each day and getting out of bed at the same time. And if you have a habit of thinking/worrying/planning while lying in bed yoga/pranayama/meditation can help you come into a nice relaxed state conducive to sleep. Look up guided practices like body scan, and yoga nidra. You can also explore Pranayama such as Bhramari. All the best!

Ans: Yes, you can practice soft meditation, like Shanthi, in places like the office or metro. Focus on simple techniques such as mindful breathing or awareness of your body. However, if you attempt in-depth meditation in these settings, it may take time for you to fully return to your senses, which could create problems. That's why it’s important to learn meditation with a proper guru, who will guide you on when and how to practice deeper forms safely.

R. Pushpa, M.Sc (Yoga)
Online Yoga & Meditation Coach
Radiant YogaVibes
https://www.instagram.com/pushpa_radiantyogavibes/

Ans: Experiencing anxiety, breathing difficulties, and insomnia together can feel overwhelming, but gentle yoga and breathing practices can provide relief by calming the mind and balancing the body. Here’s what you can do:

1. Breathing Exercises:
Anulom Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing): Sit comfortably. Close your right nostril with your thumb and inhale through the left nostril. Close the left nostril with your ring finger and exhale through the right nostril. Repeat for 5-10 minutes. This calms the mind and balances energy.
Deep Belly Breathing: Place one hand on your stomach. Slowly inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your belly to rise, and exhale completely. Practice for 5 minutes to ease anxiety.
2. Meditation Method:
Guided Body Scan Meditation: Lie down and focus on each part of your body, releasing tension as you go. This helps in relaxing your nervous system and promoting sleep.
3. Yogic Mudra:
Gyan Mudra: Touch the tips of your index finger and thumb, keeping the other fingers straight. Practice this mudra during meditation or breathing exercises for mental calmness.
For better results and personalized guidance, consult a yoga coach. They can create a practice suited to your needs.

R. Pushpa, M.Sc (Yoga)
Online Yoga & Meditation Coach
Radiant YogaVibes
https://www.instagram.com/pushpa_radiantyogavibes/