Alternative therapies have been on the rise lately, and conventional medicine often takes a backseat in the quest for better well-being. One such practice that has gained significant attention is meditation.
If you’re new to meditation or need resources to make it a regular habit, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we’re going to explore how meditation can help you find your inner calm and become a part of your daily routine.
What’s Meditation?
Meditation is a practice that anyone can incorporate into their life. It’s about taking a moment to relax and connect with yourself. According to the National Centre of Complementary and Integrative Health, meditation has a history that goes back thousands of years, and many meditative techniques began in Eastern traditions.
The term “meditation” refers to various practices that focus on mind and body integration and are used to calm the mind and enhance overall well-being. Some types of meditation involve maintaining mental focus on a particular sensation, such as breathing, a sound, a visual image, or a mantra, which is a repeated word or phrase. Other forms of meditation include the practice of mindfulness, which involves maintaining attention or awareness of the present moment without making judgments.
Nowadays, you can find Spotify Playlists for Meditation, but also guided reels, TikTok videos, and YouTube videos. The options are endless!
The Benefits of Regular Meditation
There’s a wealth of studies supporting the benefits of meditation. I know, alternative therapies can sometimes feel intimidating, but meditation has a strong evidence base proving its positive effects. So, if you’ve been on the fence, let’s explore what meditation can do for your mind and body.
Cornell University highlights that meditation can boost well-being across multiple areas—mental, physical, cognitive, and emotional. Meditation may help you:
- Quiet your mind and stay present
- Improve memory, attention, and focus
- Increase productivity
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Boost feelings of contentment and reduce depression
- Manage negative emotions, physical pain, and addiction
- Increase energy and self-esteem
- Improve sleep quality
- Encourage deeper levels of relaxation
How to Meditate: A Simple Guide
If you’re just starting, here’s the good news: there’s no “perfect” way to meditate. You can start with just a few minutes a day. Over time, you’ll develop your own personal meditation practice. Whether you follow a guided meditation or meditate on your own, you can do it while sitting, walking, or even cycling.
Here’s a simple guide to get you started:
- Set aside time for yourself: Find a moment in your day for self-care. It’s essential to prioritize your well-being. Remember it can be 5 minutes. But make sure you set aside time for this practice.
- Choose a comfortable space: It doesn’t have to be in your bed; it can be anywhere that makes you feel at ease—indoors or outdoors. You can sit, stand, move around, or lie down.
- Close your eyes and begin breathing: Inhale deeply through your nose, then exhale through your mouth.
- Focus on your breath: Pay attention to your body, your muscles, and your skin.
- If your mind wanders, gently bring it back: Don’t worry if you get distracted—simply return to focusing on your breath. It happens to everyone, so don’t stress about it.
- End with gratitude: After your session, take a moment to thank yourself for taking this time to nurture your mind. You can also do some gratitude journaling. I absolutely recommend it.
Making Meditation a Habit
Creating healthy habits is essential for our well-being. If we’re stuck in unhealthy routines, they can cloud the path to a better life. That’s why focusing on our daily routine is one of the easiest ways to work towards a “better you.”
I recently started exercising again after taking a break, and let me tell you, those first few days were tough. My body ached, I couldn’t keep up with the workouts, and I felt terrible. My mind kept telling me to stop, to give up, and that I couldn’t do it anymore. But I kept going. Now, I love going to the gym; I look forward to it and feel more energized than before.
Sometimes we just need a little push to make a change. Change isn’t always easy, and it often feels uncomfortable. But once you create a habit, it becomes easier and more natural. So, my advice? Start now. Pick a day, mark it on your calendar, and begin.
But don’t forget to stay consistent. Remember, habits are built with repetition, so don’t expect immediate results—keep going.
Some Challenges You May Face
Okay, here’s the reality check: meditation might not feel perfect the first few times. You may feel uncomfortable or even a little awkward. But trust me, like anything else, you’ll get used to it with practice. As a beginner, you’ll face challenges, and that’s completely normal.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Don’t make excuses. You’ll be tempted to skip it, but try not to.
- Keep trying. Meditation takes practice—don’t give up after one attempt.
- Be kind to yourself. There’s no such thing as “perfect” meditation, and that’s okay.
Why Should You Try Meditation
On the journey to well-being, everything is possible. And, since there’s no “right” path, just by being here and wanting to learn about meditation, you’re already on the right track.
Meditation can help you reduce stress, stay present, and reflect on your thoughts and feelings. It’s a personal time for you, with no distractions. It’s about building self-love and working on being your best self.
TBN tip: Start with guided meditations—they’re a great way to ease into it and keep you focused.
Meditation might be the key to unlocking the calm and clarity you’ve been searching for. So why not give it a try? Your mind and body will thank you!