India, Sept. 5 -- Meditation does not mean forcing your mind to become completely quiet. Instead, it gives you a chance to slow down, notice what is happening within you, and return to the present moment, one breath at a time. When you make space for stillness, you may start noticing changes in the way you feel, think, and respond to everyday situations.

Peace may not arrive all at once. It can begin with one slow breath, a relaxed shoulder, or a brief pause before you react. As you meditate regularly and give yourself more time to slow down, these five gentle shifts may become easier to notice.

When your thoughts feel scattered, paying attention to your breathing can bring you back to the present. A slow inhale followed by a steady exh...