Community encouraged to meditate to de-stress

Meditation offers a different way for people to relax during what is a stressful time for most, according to the Bunbury Tara Meditation Centre director.

Centre director Julie Halse wanted the community to be aware of mindfulness as a tool to help de-stress and focus.

Ms Halse said mindfulness meditation was something that could be done anywhere.

“Sit comfortably, relax your body and watch your breath come and go, and that’s the basis of meditation,” she said.

Even a few minutes once a week will have some benefit.

Ms Halse said mindfulness worked to bring people back to a single focus.

“Higher stress levels make it more difficult to access a calm, clear mind that can work really efficiently for you,” Ms Halse said.

Focusing on the breath brings you back within your body instead of thinking about the things stressing you.

Ms Halse also recommended yoga as it combined mindfulness with a physical element.

“There’s a lot of things to be concerned about but this is a way to help you deal with it,” she said.