Health Tip: Meditation Is a Peaceful State of Mind

(HealthDay News) -- There are many forms of mediation, most of which are rooted in ancient tradition. For many people, it's a great way to relax and soothe stress.

Here's a summary of meditation's common principles, courtesy of the U.S. National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine:

• Find a quiet place with little sound or distracting activity.
• Find a position that's comfortable for you, including sitting, lying down, walking or standing.
• Focus completely on meditation, which in practice may include repeating a word or phrase, focusing mentally on an object or focusing on breathing in a certain way.
• Have an open mind and learn to acknowledge life's distractions without necessarily judging or acting on them.