Have you heard of body scan meditation? Did you know that practising it could help you in better relaxation, among having other advantages? Read my blog post to see how much I benefited, since I started practising at home…
Disclaimer: My blog is to be used for general information, inspirational, and motivational purposes. I share things that I’ve learnt and experienced. In case of need, do seek help from a professional in the relevant field.
The body scan technique was a part of an eight-session mindfulness course that I took a few years ago (to help me meditate on my own at home). I’m not a mindfulness coach, but a self-improvement blogger who also shares self-care tips. In this blog post, I’ll highlight 6 benefits of body scan meditation that I experience, enjoy, and would like to share with my blog readers.
Here they are:
1. Mindfulness meditation
Mindfulness meditation includes body scanning and other techniques. Mindfulness helps you to live in the moment, and feel your very best, naturally. You recognize the simple joys of life and practice gratitude.
I’ve seen positive changes in my life after I started mindfulness meditation, including body scan. I not only feel better but also behave more mindfully towards other people. This includes being able to react thoughtfully and better understand, accept, and control my emotions.
2. Stress relief
With body scan, you lie down and relax, while meditating. It helps to relieve stress, cast aside any annoying thoughts that you may have, and feel serene. I make the most of it to ease out pressure and tensions.
3. Relaxes the mind
It helps to induce relaxation of the mind. As with meditation, in general, body scan helps to relax the brain and other parts of the body. I find it replenishing and recharging.
4. Soothes the body
I make the most of the sessions that I have at home, and on my own, to relax my body, removing any tensions that may have accumulated during the day. I ensure to especially soothe my shoulders and nape, releasing stiffness in the joints and muscles as I tend to use my phone and laptop much for blogging.
Do body scan meditation either in the morning, during the day, or else at bedtime, as per your convenience. Focus and find where you feel some pain. For example, if you’ve walked a lot during a particular day, you may find it helpful to relax your tired feet.
5. Proper sleep
I must say that incorporating this meditation as a part of my bedtime routine has helped me in having better sleep quality. Deep breathing also helps much to unwind after a hectic day. In the morning, I again like to practise breathing yoga.
6. Induces calmness
Body scan meditation brings a feeling of serenity. After a few minutes, I feel the calmness around me. My body feels light and pleasant, easing out any unpleasant and disturbing feelings.
Guided meditation
While at first, I needed instructions from the mindfulness coach through guided meditation, I now practice on my own. It’s a helpful and enjoyable experience to practice in groups. However, to save time, and especially with the COVID-19 lockdown in many countries (at the time of writing this blog post), what could be better than to learn the techniques and practice in the comfort of your own home?
Conclusion
To sum up, I have highlighted some key benefits of body scan meditation that I experience and enjoy. If you feel that you should give it a try and see for yourself, then that’s a great start! If you’re already practising body scan, then would you like to share your thoughts and experience? If you know someone who would benefit from reading my blog article, please share it. Thank you!!
Resources:
Tips from Sharvi 
So as a self-diagnosed busy body, the idea of meditation often puts me off as I never want to stop that long. But with that said, I have noticed how my sleep has been less than relaxing recently. Therefore, I have to look into the body scan meditation before I go to bed as you did. I don’t mind going non-stop during the day but if I cant properly recharge while sleeping then I will be in trouble. So I love how this relaxes you better.
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience, Eric. Have a relaxing day!
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When I first saw this, my mind went to medical xray stuff. I’d say it’s the first time I’m coming across this term.
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So true… It looks like that at first. Have a lovely day, Viano!
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This was an interesting read. I’ve never tried body scan meditation specifically, but I do meditate daily. It has a profound impact on my mental state throughout the day among many other benefits. I highly recommend that everyone try just a short meditation first thing in the morning to start the day off on the best possible foot.
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Thanks for your comment and thoughts on the topic. Have an excellent day!
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This is something that will help me, All these are really helpful…I will save it for later!
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Thanks for stopping by, Monidipa. Have a brilliant day!
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I had to lookup more on body scan meditation techniques, I was thinking it was a type of medical procedure that was done, and you were using meditation to relax during it, lol!
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Haha! Yes, you’re right… The term may confuse many people.
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It’s amazing how just a few moments of mindfulness can really transform the present. Thanks for this post!
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So true, Nkem. Enjoy your day!
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Beautiful post about body scan meditation!!
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Thanks for stopping by. Have a lovely day!
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I love body scans! As a yoga teacher I put them in 90% of my yoga classes at the beginning and end. They are a great way to notice any change from your physical asana practice.
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Thanks for sharing your experience, Di. Enjoy your day!
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I love body scan meditation, I find it super relaxing!
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That’s so true, Stephanie. Have a wonderful day!
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Interesting … I suppose we all do something similar but don’t term it as body scan meditation. I just like to zone out either to soothing music or I prefer complete silence… then I drift off to sleep and wake feeling better.
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Thanks for your comment. Have a brilliant day!
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Wonderful to know about body scan meditation and its benefits. It is especially very useful in these unpredictable and stressful times.
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Thanks, Nisha, and enjoy your day.
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I will have to try this technique of meditation. I have 5 kids so I am obviously on the move quite frequently and rarely get quiet time. I usually have always practised the mindfulness meditation but have never thought of the other 5 things that go with this. I will have to try them all out and make it a part of my day as a way to relax.
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Thanks for stopping by. Best wishes for your meditation practice!
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I need a calm voice guiding me or else my mind wanders. I hope with more practice I’ll be able to meditate on my own but I think I’ll also continue to do a guided meditation, there is something about it that helps me feel super relaxed.
I enjoyed your post!
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience, Suzanne. Have a lovely day!
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Reading this information reminds me of all the things that I use to do to help my mind and body relieve itself of stress. I think it a good time to get back in touch with my inner peace.
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Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day!
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I find that body scan is a good go-to for several of the reasons listed such as calming down after a long day, calming down my mind to focus on a task, and relaxing enough to go to sleep. Currently, I prefer guided meditations with calming music in the background.
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience. Have a relaxing (great) day!
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Great post, thank you for this.
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My pleasure and have a wonderful day,!
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