#mondaymantra
When thinking of mantras, you might picture a group of people with their eyes closed repeating sounds like “om”. While “om” is, in fact, a mantra, it’s not the only one.
Mantras can be any words or phrases used to promote positive feelings or general well-being. Many people believe that mantras can be good for your mental health.
What are Mantras?
Mantras are a sound, words, or phrases typically used in mindfulness meditation, a practice for intentionally developing awareness of the mind and body. They help drive out distractions, quiet intrusive thoughts and ground you in the present moment.
Although similar, they aren’t the same as positive affirmations. These are short, powerful words or statements designed to inspire and motivate you to take positive action or change in your life.
Still, there’s a fine line between mantras and affirmations. So, repeating words or affirmations in a rhythmic manner to help you concentrate, meditate, or ground yourself could be considered a hybrid of both tools.
Benefits of Mantras
In a 2018 review, scientists suggest that mantras may benefit your mental and emotional health. They could be a simple approach to mental health treatment that avoids the side effects associated with some medications.
Still, they note that more investigation is needed to understand better the role mantras may play as a therapeutic tool for mental health.
Additional research Trusted Source looked into the effects of Kirtan Kriya meditation and listening to music on blood markers for cellular aging. The results suggest that practicing mind-body techniques like meditation may increase biomarkers associated with improved cognition, sleep, and mood.
Although mantras may help manage the symptoms of some mental health conditions, it’s not a replacement for mental health treatment.
So, if you have concerns about your mental and emotional well-being, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. They can work with you to diagnose any conditions you may have and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.
And, if you’d like to give mantras a try, here’s a list of some simple mantras for depression, anxiety, and more.