Today FM star Dermot Whelan suffered from panic attacks until he discovered meditation, the comedian unveils his exclusive guide to saying bye bye to stress.
The 46-year old is best loved on the Irish airways alongside co-host David Moore and has performed comedy and won numerous awards across the globe for his witticisms.
Yet the hilarious stand- up has found his calling and sites that meditation has transformed his life.
Now a qualified meditation teacher, the Limerick native wants to help the nation battle anxiety and combat rising cortisol levels.
Dermot told the Irish Mirror: “Meditation has changed my life since I began practicing it 10 years ago.
“I used to wake up in the middle of the night fretting about the silliest things.”
Learning to meditate and let go of worrying thoughts has given the radio star a new lease of life.
Following a panic attack some years back the former Republic of Telly Host knew he had to slow down and devoted his life to arming himself with the tools necessary to kick anxiety to the touch.
He added: “Now I sleep like a baby. I used to suffer from anxiety and even had a panic attack once.
“Now, I’m so much happier and calmer knowing I have the tools to help me deal with any stress that may arise.
“I enjoy my work more and feel so much more creative. And my relationships are better as I feel so much more gratitude for myself and the people in my life that I love.”
Dermot who regularly starred in the hit RTE Comedy Bridget & Eamon is trying to demystify the often obscure world of meditation.
He said: “What would you say if I told you there was a pill that has been scientifically proven to do all the following?
“Lower blood pressure, reduce stress, reduce anxiety, lower heart rate, increase happiness, boost self esteem, improve sleep, boost growth hormone, boost sex hormones, reduce perspiration, boost creativity, improve digestion.
“You would be down to the pharmacy quicker than a Kilkenny man to a sliotar!
“But these are just some of the proven benefits of meditation. And best of all – it’s absolutely free!”
On his journey of discovery he noted that often people can feel a bit daunted by the unknown.
He said: “Sometimes people think is meditation for weird hippies? Is it a cult?
"Will people think I’m strange? Will it turn me into a vegan? Will I suddenly love incense? Will it clash with my own religious beliefs? Will I feel silly?
Adding: “The answer to all those questions, thankfully, is 'no'.
“Yes, meditation has been around for thousands of years and has been used by various spiritual communities, but there is also a flood of incredible scientific evidence in recent years that proves that meditation can have a profoundly positive effect on our brain and how we see the world.
“So if you’re keen on helping the nation beat stress and uncover our true potential, my advice is to give it a lash.
"You have nothing to lose and, at the very least, you’ll get some peace and quiet for a few minutes.
“At best, you’ll feel happier, calmer and so much more ready for all those exciting challenges coming your way. And, hey, if a half mad Limerick stand-up comedian can do it, anyone can!”
Dermot Whelan is a certified meditation teacher, stand-up comedian and radio presenter with Dermot and Dave on Today FM. Find out more at dermotwhelan.com
