During this time of uncertainty thats impacting each of us in one way or another, not just here in Berks County, but globally, one thing we have been told to do is to slow down our lives.

Not literally, but with everyones state of normal being turned upside down by the coronavirus pandemic, we are essentially being asked to put things on hold to isolate ourselves.

Things like play dates, greeting the school bus, going to a game, movie, gym or maybe even work are no longer possible at least until we get the go-ahead again, whenever that may be.

While we can look at one of the positives of this situation as the gift of time we have been given to focus on our family at home, slowing down isnt going to be easy for everyone.

Slowing down, when youve been running on adrenaline and cortisol, our two major stress hormones, may not be easy for many at first, said Greg Schweitzer, a wellness coach, educator and professional speaker. One of my clients, a physician, called this syndrome 'hurry-sickness.'"

As the owner of Stress Reduction Resources in Spring Township, Schweitzer provides educational workshops on meditation, more specifically what he refers to as effortless meditation.

Effortless meditation encapsulates the idea that it takes literally no effort in terms of any physical exertion to practice meditation.

It is completely effortless, he said. We are not doing much to get a great benefit.

Greg Schweitzer, wellness coach, educator and public speaker.

His approach centers on a mantra-based practice, and Schweitzer said that after just a few days of keeping up with it, you can begin to reap benefits that include feeling happier, having more energy, feeling more awake and more alert, leading to a more enjoyable life.

The mantra is our vehicle to get from that active, turbulent mind to the peaceful mind the mind wants to go there without effort, he said.

Schweitzer, who worked with Deepak Chopra in the 1990s, describes meditation as a natural medicine that heals and has the potential to literally transform peoples lives.

During meditation we experience a very deep state of rest, deeper than what we experience in sleep science shows, he said.

Schweitzer recommends spending 15 to 20 minutes twice a day for maximum benefit to impact your day in positive ways, a small investment of time that has great rewards.

The key is to commit to the practice, to make it as natural as brushing your teeth. If you are short on time on a given day, Schweitzer offered some advice.

If you feel you cant do it for 15 minutes, go for 10 or 5, he said. Anything is better than nothing.

Schweitzer said that to meditate you can sit in a way that makes you comfortable, whether on the ground or in a chair or even on your bed. And you dont have to wear any special clothes.

You dont have to sit in the lotus position, he said. If you had back surgery or are ill and need to lie down to be comfortable, that is fine.

You don't have to wear any special clothes and can sit comfortably in a chair to meditate.

Whether you take a workshop or learn through research online, if you are curious as to how meditation may benefit you, now may be an optimal time for you to learn more about it and give it a try, particularly to help manage any stress associated with the current health crisis.

Chronic stress and pressure is an irritant to our health and well-being, Schweitzer said, adding it can be released during meditation practice. The deep rest, peace and calm that meditation brings are healing for our physical, mental and emotional health.

Since the practice of meditation is typically done on our own time, doesnt require a special location and doesnt cost a dime, it is ideal to do at home.

We can experience the benefit of meditation even if we are isolated or quarantined, he said. We are not dependent upon anyone to deliver this service to us.

You may be wondering what the best time is to fit meditation in if demands at home for your attention are at an all-time high with kids off from school.

If you have young children, an ideal time may be when they are taking their morning and/or afternoon naps.

If your children are older, you can serve as a good role model for self-care by letting them know you will be taking time for yourself to meditate, with ideal times being mid-morning and just before dinner times when you may feel in need of a reset to maximize the rest of your day.

Schweitzer said when he started meditating 45 years ago, he was able to cut out coffee to get himself through the day.

I wasnt relying on caffeine to kickstart my alertness and adrenaline, he said.

The key to reaping the most benefits is being consistent. Once you begin dedicating time to meditation twice daily, you will most likely come to view it as an essential part of your day.

Meditation has the potential to feel like a mini-vacation, something that might greatly enrich your life with minimal effort.

Meditation is self-care at its finest, Schweitzer said. With regular practice, life after meditation quickly becomes more satisfying, enjoyable and healthier it is so important to our life.

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Meditation has many benefits, especially in these uncertain times - Reading Eagle