For many people, taking time to chill out may sound like an impossible – or useless – idea. Every day there’s more to get done, in less time. Carving out time to do nothing may sound counterproductive. But regular meditation can actually decrease physical and emotional stress, increasing productivity and life satisfaction. We’re not talking religious meditation; no matter what your personal or religious beliefs, meditation can reduce your level of stress.

While stress gears up the body’s fight or flight mechanisms, decreasing capacity to focus and get things done, meditation does the opposite. It calms the mind and the body, improving the ability to cope with hassles, challenges, and life stressors.

And it’s not just hearsay - meditation is well worth the time, according to health experts. A recent study quoted in US News and World Report showed measurable differences in the brains and behavior of subjects new to meditation that spent 30 minutes meditating each day for 2 weeks.

Incense and chanting isn’t required for effective meditation – it’s actually rather simple. Beginners can try different varieties of meditation to find the best fit. Meditation can be done seated, standing, walking, or even in the workplace. My favorite place to meditate is in the pool, while swimming laps. Meditation purists may say that’s not truly meditating, but it’s quiet, repetitive, and I can focus, which is really all you need. It works for me. Shutting out distractions and zeroing in on breathing, an object, a thought, or a word, allows the body and mind to achieve a calm, restful state.

After meditating, you may experience the typical sensations of heightened energy, calm, peace, and clarity. Sounds good, doesn’t it? Consider adding some focused downtime to your schedule today. It’s a highly productive move.