Meditation is one of the most widespread mental health practices, and for a good reason. Studies have shown that it can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia while serving as a positive outlet for your thoughts. It offers an opportunity to experience inner peace and reconnect with what is essential in your life. If you’re looking to start this healthy new habit but are daunted by the process of getting started, here are easy-to-follow tips for meditating like a pro!
1) Practice in silence – Meditation is a personal practice, and you need to find what feels comfortable for you. Make your environment as silent as possible by turning off potential distractions such as TVs and phones. Use earplugs if needed (or headphones to listen to a guided meditation). Sit on a chair or cushion if it’s more comfortable than sitting cross-legged on the floor. As you become more experienced, experiment with different positions if sitting still becomes difficult or uncomfortable.
Focus on your breathing
This is an essential and crucial meditation tip. Focus on each breath, feeling yourself breathe in and then out. That will keep you anchored in the present moment. You can count “1 – 2 – 3” as you breathe in and “1 – 2 – 3” as you breathe out to ensure that you’re breathing smoothly and not too fast or too slow. If your mind deviates away, gently bring it back to focus on your breathing technique.
Do not judge your meditation
Meditation is about observing yourself and noticing both the bad and good things about your mind. In particular, the more you practice it, the stronger it gets! You will find that some days are harder than others, and that’s ok! Just allow yourself to make mistakes as you meditate, and then try the next time again.
Have patience with yourself
It takes time to see the benefits of meditation. You may see changes in your relationships or creativity immediately, but sometimes it takes a while to notice physical changes caused by meditation. Think of your relationship with meditation as a long-term one and know that no matter what happens in the short term, you will always come back to its benefits in the long term. Most importantly, you practice regularly and don’t give up on it.
The practice of meditation helps with all sorts of issues, from physical pain to stress and anxiety. It can also be difficult for people just starting because they don’t know what they’re supposed to do during their technique. However, with the above tips, it can be easier for you to start meditating.
