How Meditation Can Help Lower Stress (and Why I Love Ziva Meditation)
Let’s be honest—life gets busy, and stress can sneak up on us in ways we don’t always notice. Whether it’s a tight work schedule, juggling family responsibilities, or just feeling overwhelmed by life, stress can take a toll on our bodies. One way to stay ahead of it is by meditating. And no, it’s not just for monks sitting on mountain tops—it’s for all of us.
Meditation isn’t just about “clearing your mind” (spoiler: that’s impossible). It’s about giving yourself a chance to breathe, reset, and lower cortisol, the hormone that makes us feel stressed and frazzled. I’d love to share a bit about how meditation works for lowering cortisol and why I personally practice Ziva Meditation to help manage life’s ups and downs.
What’s the Big Deal About Cortisol?
Cortisol is your body’s built-in alarm system. It helps you get through stressful moments (like when your dog escapes the yard, or you’re running late for an appointment). But if cortisol stays elevated for too long, it can lead to issues like weight gain, poor sleep, anxiety, and even burnout.
That’s where meditation comes in—it teaches your brain and body to chill out, reducing cortisol levels and helping you stay calm, even when life throws you curveballs. It’s kind of like hitting the “reset” button, bringing everything back into balance.
Why Meditation Makes a Difference
Meditation is like a mini-vacation for your mind. When you practice regularly, it helps:
- Lower cortisol and reduce stress at a biological level.
- Improve focus and mental clarity (no more forgetting where you left your keys).
- Support better sleep, which makes everything else easier.
- Give you a new perspective—those little annoyances just don’t seem so bad.
There are lots of ways to meditate, too! You’ve probably heard of mindfulness meditation, which involves focusing on your breath or the present moment. There’s also guided meditation, where someone walks you through a visualization, and mantra meditation, where you repeat words or sounds to yourself.
My Favorite Practice: Ziva Meditation
Let me tell you a little about Ziva Meditation, which is my go-to. It’s a blend of mindfulness, meditation, and manifestation, created by Emily Fletcher (Stress Less, Accomplish More). What I love about it is that it’s simple and practical—just 15 minutes, twice a day, and you’re good to go. The goal isn’t to clear your mind or be perfect—it’s about letting your thoughts come and go naturally while giving your nervous system a break.
Ziva has three parts:
- Mindfulness – This helps you stay present and let go of any stress from the day.
- Meditation – This is where the deep relaxation happens, slowing your breath and calming your mind.
- Manifestation – At the end, you spend a moment visualizing something you want to create in your life.
It’s really helped me manage stress better, improve my focus, and just feel more in control. What’s also great about Ziva is that you can do it anywhere—at home, in a park, or even in your parked car if needed. You don’t need fancy cushions or incense (unless you’re into that).
The Benefits Go Beyond Stress
Since I started meditating regularly, I’ve noticed some big changes—not just in how I feel but also in how I handle stressful situations. Meditation helps me respond more calmly instead of reacting emotionally, which makes a huge difference.
It’s also been great for my sleep. If you’re struggling with sleep (especially if you’re navigating perimenopause or menopause, when sleep can get tricky), meditation might be a game-changer. It helps regulate hormones, like cortisol, and can reduce those middle-of-the-night wake-ups caused by stress or hot flashes.
It’s Okay to Start Small
If you’re new to meditation, don’t feel like you have to dive in with 30 minutes a day. Start with five minutes in the morning or before bed, and see how it feels. The key is consistency—those small moments really add up over time. And remember, there’s no right or wrong way to meditate. It’s about finding what works for you and making it part of your routine.
Final Thoughts
Meditation isn’t just a “nice-to-have” tool—it’s a way to reset your body and mind so you can show up as your best self. Whether you try Ziva Meditation or another type, it’s worth giving it a shot. Start small, be kind to yourself, and enjoy the process. You’ve got this!
