Everyone enjoys that ‘cloud nine’ feeling but do we have to resort to external chemical aids to achieve that feeling? I’ve got great news, answer is a resounding no! Any external intoxicant effects a handful of major chemicals that are mood markers for humans. These would include Dopamine, Serotonin, Endorphins and their many derivatives. Through out your life they are in constant flux depending on what your doing, eating or spending your energy. Here are some ways to get the most umph out of really fun practices.

Meditate

The meditative high is no joke, you will walk away from your practice with whatever you need. I started my practise as a matter of understanding and nurturing my darker side. As my practise grew, I started to practise just for the fun of it. This is Where I recommend beginners start their practise. Just sit and pay attention to what’s going on in between your ears. Have fun with it and experiment a little. There are so many templates it can be a little dizzying but as long as there is a central and consistent theme your very likely on the right path.

The greatest part of this habitual ‘use’ is there are no downsides. I promise you will get back ten fold whatever you put in, and you can put whatever you want i. Personally crafted high that provides medical benefits. There are a slew of benefits spread across the internet but here is a list, if a free high isn’t enough.

Ecstatic dance

There is something beautiful and unique about dancing to music that you love. The way you dance and what you dance to has a direct influence to the degree of consciousness you reach. The music moves you spiritually, distracting you mentally while your body works those endorphins up into a fury. The sum of these actions creates a positive sense of self that will stick with you at least a day or so. A few calories for a couple of good feeling days? Worth it in my book.

Yoga

This option is my favorite and I try to do it everyday. Your body feels vibrant and you have a glow to you that others will notice for a while. Reconnecting with your body will help you diagnose other ways you might want to treat yourself with natural highs. I have personally seen more people’s attitudes and lifestyles change dramatically, for the better after even just 3 yoga sessions. I recommend a heated class for a ‘great body high’. But if you’ve never done on before start with a basic Vinyasa class, as the heated class are intense and injuries happen. For those searching for a spiritual experience or mental buzz a Kundalini would be right up your alley. There are times I feel I need to scoop myself back into my body afterward!

Mindful breathing

This one is kind of like my cigarette without smoking. I use it anytime I’m frustrated or overstimulated. Count your inward breaths to ten. Start working again continuing to breathe again to ten before you release your breath.While your breathing your mind will call attention to what is bothering or too up your face. It’s vital you smile to it inwardly and release it with your next deep exhale. This is far more effective than smoking for stress management and won’t give you cancer!

Conscious Love Making

Sex is great but if you’re looking for more than a work out take your time and show your love! Besides a myriad of chemicals that feel awesome in your body, your spirit is being nurtured and your mind is focused. What will set this apart is the intention you set and the way you can non verbally communicate a deep seated love to your partner.

Distractions are everywhere these days, and nowhere is this more noticeable than when you take time aside for your daily meditation. Even if your smart phone fails to distract you with an unnecessary notification, its presence alone can fill space in the corner of your mind.

If you are having trouble getting into a meditative vibe, here are some ways to regain the focus which is crucial to your practice.

Focus On Where You Are Successful

If we set aside 15 minutes for meditation, and our minds spend half of it wandering around, it’s easy to label that as a failure in our practice. Instead, we should label it as a success.

After all, success is not derived from perfection. What was your intention for that time period? To meditate? Did you meditate? In this scenario, you achieved meditative state for 7-8 minutes. Experts say that benefits can be seen from just a few minutes of meditation, so we’ll call that a win!

A string of successes, to your mind, will yield a better overall practice. Don’t be so hard on yourself if you can’t reach your goal every time.

Meditate Throughout Your Day

Meditation is not limited to sitting cross legged with your eyes closed. Anyone experienced in the art of meditation will tell you that the state can be achieved anytime throughout your day. All it takes is a focus on the perfection of existence.

There is beauty to be found in all moments of life. While it can be difficult to find perspective in the face of a long workday or unruly child, for example, a key to daily meditation is to find the evidence for the astounding miracle of life in places you don’t normally seek it.

Realize That Meditation Is Personal

This is an extension of the above example. Not everyone will find it easy to focus when sitting cross-legged. Not everyone will be able to find the necessary focus while repeating mantras. Calming, new age music will not help the trance along for everyone.

When you decide that you’re going to have a meditation practice, it’s important to experiment. After all, you are a unique individual and what works for someone you derive inspiration from will not necessarily work for you. There are infinite ways to meditate. Find one that makes you comfortable, and allows you the all-important focus that will yield a successful practice.

Set Aside Physical Space

While it’s true that meditation can happen anywhere and anytime, to inspire a regular practice, it is always a good idea to set aside a space that is ‘for meditation.’ It can be anywhere, as long as it is consistent.

That consistency will allow your mind to focus, because of its familiarity with the space. It will unconsciously say: “This is where I meditate,” and half the battle for focus will be over.

Have Gratitude

Gratitude can bring on a feeling of contentment that is so important for putting yourself in a mental state which is ready for meditation. Similar to a religious prayer, listing things for which you are grateful can open up the channel to god – which in this case is you!

So when in your meditation zone, in whatever physical state is comfortable, take some time before the meditative process begins to give thanks for a few things in this life. This will help you find a state in which meditative focus will come more easily!