During Corepower’s 75-minute mental health class our instructor, Brynne, asked us to take three deep breaths and think about one thing we’re grateful for. The question, while incredibly basic, made me emotional on my mat. I had been in class since eight in the morning, I hadn’t seen any of my friends since the day before, and I knew I was going home to minimal groceries because I’d put off grocery shopping and laundry for two weeks. My entire day I had let myself slip into a self-pitying spiral, but Brynne’s question forced me to remind myself of all the beautiful things I had. I settled on how much I love my friends and spending time with them. Just recalling the privilege and joy those friendships give me lifted my mood immediately.

Next, she asked: “How does that thing make you feel? Carry that feeling with you through the rest of class and let anything else on your mind slip away while focusing on your breath.”

The following 75 minutes I could feel myself basking in every wonderful moment I’d had with my friends and internalizing how grateful I was for them. With two very simple questions and a guiding instruction, Brynne altered the course of my entire day.

May is Meditation and Mental Health Awareness Month, encouraging people to reflect and take time to improve or evaluate their mental health. Meditation can be a powerful tool to manage stress and emotions, and it can take many different forms. Often, meditation can be difficult for beginners to start or to accomplish during difficult mental periods, which is what makes yoga such a useful practice.

Yoga combines mental and physical awareness by aligning breath to movement and incorporating a personal intention. Practicing yoga in a community can also create a greater sense of connection and increase the likelihood of committing to the meditative practice. Modern yoga practices typically end in savasana, a restorative pose and the culmination of the physical movement and breathwork throughout the class. Following a guided physical practice of meditation can make the transition to the practice easier for beginners while simultaneously increasing physical activity and health. Your meditation journey can start anywhere and yoga can maximize the practice as a holistic health experience.

On a day-to-day basis, meditation can be practiced anywhere and for any period. If you feel a sudden rush of anxiety, take 2 minutes to ground yourself in your space and help curb the negative side effects. Box breathing is a quick and easy breathing exercise that regulates heart rate and can aid in calming your nervous system. Follow these simple steps: breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, breathe out for 4 counts, and hold for 4 counts before repeating the process as many times as necessary.

No matter how you practice it, meditation can benefit you in almost every aspect of your life. Small implementations can grow into daily routines that begin to shape your conscious mindset and alter your outlook on life. Take advantage of this month to reflect on how you want the trajectory of your meditation journey to proceed, especially regarding improving your mental wellness. That one yoga class altered how I let myself think about my life, and as dramatic as that sounds, it highlights how small practices can create life-altering moments. Now, when I feel overwhelmed with negative emotions, I remind myself of Brynne’s questions and take an introspective moment to rebalance myself.

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