Center yourself with meditation or prayer
Since the dawn of humanity, people have meditated and prayed to deepen their relationship with the divine. Meditation can relieve stress, create calm, and even lower blood pressure.
According to Healthline, the most popular form of meditation in the West is mindfulness meditation, in which you pay attention to your thoughts as they pass through your mind without judgment or engaging with them. Focus on the breath or an object to minimize distractions. Try to exist only in the moment.
You can even add movement, an exceedingly ancient form of meditation found in labyrinths worldwide for Zen and Christian contemplation. You don't need a formal maze. Set out a path to walk. Pose a question to God (or just to yourself), then set off. Often people use breath prayers or mantras — a simple phrase or word that they whisper for each breath.
Choose a theme for your meditation. If you are angry, for example, focus on love and kindness. Loving-kindness meditation can help enhance feelings of love and acceptance toward yourself and others. Open your mind to the love of God, or focus on the people and other living creatures you cherish.
