If you are reading this article, you are probably at least vaguely aware of the benefits of meditation. Whether you are interested in using meditation to reduce stress, increase focus, or delve into spirituality, it is a worthy practice. According to Project Meditation, practicing meditation can help decrease heart rate, blood pressure, and anxiety. Meditation can also help improve sleep habits, self-confidence, and relaxation. It has even been proven to help regulate hormones. Basically, meditation rocks. So why don’t we all do it?
Well, mostly because it is hard. Sitting still with little to no stimuli is not something we are used to doing, so building a habit of meditation can be challenging. It can be… but it does not have to be. This article will help you learn how to meditate and teach you how to make meditation a part of your day-to-day life.
Get started first thing in the morning
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It is easy to say we will meditate lunch or when we get home from work, but when those times come around it is just as easy to say we are too busy and do not have time. Early in the morning, before our day has begun, is the easiest time to introduce a new habit. If you set your alarm fifteen minutes earlier, there are no excuses. You would usually just be sleeping for fifteen more minutes, so you do not run the risk of having things you should or could do get in the way. Try waking up a few minutes earlier every day and setting that time aside to practice meditation.
Make it short, simple, and comfortable
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The first time you sit down to meditate, try to throw out whatever preconceived notions you have of how to meditate. If you are convinced that meditation has to be a certain length or that you have to sit in a full lotus posture, think again. These conceptions are just another barrier between you and a regular meditation practice. Instead, start small. Even five minutes of meditation can make a huge difference. And find a comfortable position that you can stay in for that long. If that means sitting in a chair or lying down, so be it! It is better than not meditating at all. If you are uncomfortable or try to meditate for too long right away, you are just giving yourself more chances to get distracted and discouraged. Make practicing meditation as easy as possible.
Determine your motivation
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Why do you want to start meditating? It may not seem like an important question, but when it comes to forming a habit, motivation is everything. If your only motivation for meditating is because you want to be the kind of person that meditates, you are likely going to have difficulties maintaining the habit. Instead, take some time to think about how meditation is going to impact your life and what your core motivation is. Remind yourself of this motivation every morning. It will make it easier to stick to a meditation practice if you have a clear outcome that is of some deeper significance motivating the habit.
Meditation comes in many styles
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While a couple of minutes every morning is a simple and beautiful way to integrate meditation into your life, it is not by any means the only way. Our life is full of opportunities to meditate. When you are stuck in traffic or standing in line at the grocery store, take a few moments to focus on your breath. If work is stressful or someone says something that makes you angry, pause, breath, and allow yourself a mini meditation before moving on. It is these simple daily practices that will allow you to live a more stress-free life. Practicing every morning will teach you how to meditate, but it is in our day-to-day lives that meditation can help the most.
