{"id":84834,"date":"2024-11-05T01:50:24","date_gmt":"2024-11-05T01:50:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kokoro.today\/?post_type=exclusive&p=84834"},"modified":"2024-11-20T05:11:27","modified_gmt":"2024-11-20T05:11:27","slug":"when-meditation-backfires-my-journey-to-stress-free-living","status":"publish","type":"exclusive","link":"https:\/\/kokoro.today\/exclusive\/when-meditation-backfires-my-journey-to-stress-free-living\/","title":{"rendered":"When Meditation Backfires: My Journey to Stress-Free Living"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

By Dr. Justin James Kennedy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>

Does Meditation Stress You Out? Here\u2019s What I Do Instead!<\/h3>

My first blog was about a Buddhist! It all began on a sun-drenched beach in Dubai, where I stumbled upon a perplexed Buddhist monk trying to snap a selfie with the ocean. So I offered to help, and that small act of kindness spiralled into a whirlwind of unexpected experiences. Before I knew it, I attended meditation retreats and gave corporate presentations alongside my newfound monk friend. A few years on, and here I am, still trying\u2014and mostly failing\u2014to meditate.<\/p>

Neuroscience has a wealth of research backing up meditation (thanks, Schlechta Portella et al., 2021!). With countless fMRI studies and meta-analyses (shout out to Fox et al., 2016) singing the praises of mindfulness, it\u2019s hard not to feel a little left out when I don\u2019t experience the same magical transformation. Instead, I\u2019m left feeling guilty for not “getting it.” So, after countless attempts, I\u2019ve decided to ditch the pressure and find ways to unwind, relieve stress, and\u2014most importantly\u2014ditch the guilt.<\/p>

Why It Isn\u2019t for Me!<\/h3>

Meditation is ubiquitous, particularly mindfulness meditation, which has become the trendiest practice since bell bottoms! It promises numerous benefits: personal transformation, improved mental health, enhanced focus, reduced stress, and entrepreneurial success. I admit I was drawn into the hype\u2014attending mindfulness workshops, downloading all the apps (Headspace, anyone?), and chatting with meditation experts like my monk friend. But guess what? I never found it enjoyable or helpful. Seated meditation often stresses me out (I have a bad knee and cannot cross my legs).<\/p>

Feeling guilty, I decided to open up about my meditation struggles and discovered I wasn\u2019t alone. Many friends admitted they found meditation underwhelming or even irritating. Not everyone can find their zen in sitting still and watching their breath. Yet, the prevailing narrative\u2014especially in the West\u2014often makes those who don\u2019t enjoy meditation feel as though they are missing out on a crucial life skill.<\/p>

The Dark Side of Meditation<\/h3>

These conversations have revealed that meditation isn\u2019t always the peaceful, calming practice it\u2019s touted to be. Emerging evidence suggests it can sometimes have negative effects. Meditation doesn\u2019t automatically improve everything; it simply brings awareness to what\u2019s already lurking beneath the surface. And for some, that awareness can be a bit unsettling.<\/p>

Why Meditation Stresses Me Out<\/h3>

Let\u2019s be real: meditation is hard work! It\u2019s supposed to be relaxing, but, it feels like a chore. I know it\u2019s not meant to be a quick fix, but as someone who thrives on challenges, I secretly hoped for at least a few small wins. After years of trying to be mindful\u2014through guided meditations and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) courses\u2014I\u2019ve found it nearly impossible to sit still and “just be” for thirty seconds or more. Instead of feeling peaceful, I usually end up emotionally drained and frustrated.<\/p>

So, I\u2019ve waved goodbye to meditation. I\u2019ve stopped forcing myself to sit quietly and follow my breath because it stresses me out. Instead, I’m on a journey of exploration and self-discovery to find other ways to find calm that feel far more natural and enjoyable.<\/p>

What I Do Instead<\/h3>

Rather than meditation, I\u2019ve explored a variety of practices that help me manage stress and cultivate self-awareness. These various techniques seem to work for me:<\/p>