Learning meditation is an excellent way to improve your mental and physical well-being. Western medicine is starting to realize the potential healing power of emptying the mind and disconnecting from modern stresses. You don’t have to become a religious hermit to appreciate the benefits of meditation, though. Adding ten minutes a day of deliberate calmness will have dramatic results. Here are five tips for starting meditation as a beginner.
Choose a Time for Meditation
The best way to stick with a new habit is to choose a consistent time to practice it. You can meditate first thing in the morning or last thing before falling asleep. You may want to meditate during your lunch break or when you return home from work. There’s no perfect time for meditating; choose the best option for your schedule and goals. Once you’ve picked a time, stick with it. Try to meditate five times a week at the time you’ve chosen. Even if you only practice for five minutes, it’s important to build consistency.
Use a Guide
Learning meditation on your own is difficult. A guide can help make it easier. You can download videos or podcasts that walk you through simple meditative practices. This can teach you how to breathe properly, how to focus your thoughts and which styles of meditation work best for you. Experiment with different teachers to find the right voice for your mentality. You might prefer a direct, practical approach or a more spiritual element. You’ll have to try multiple styles to find the perfect fit.
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Try Active Meditation
If you’re hesitant to start meditating because you think it’s boring, active meditation is for you. This style is perfect for people who like to keep moving rather than sitting still. To try it, look for a peaceful space like a walking garden or public park. A running track or large indoor room can do in a pinch. Next, take a 10-minute stroll in the area. As you walk, focus on the movement of your body and deliberately empty your mind. Think about each step and every swing of your arms. Find peace by concentrating on the physicality of your body and letting mental distractions slip away.
Use Music in Your Meditation
Another tip for focusing your thoughts during meditation is to use music. If you struggle to empty your mind of distractions and worries, music can give you something to concentrate on. Choose non-lyrical music with a slow, relaxing tempo. You don’t want a song that you will listen to intently; instead, you’ll use the background noise to trick your mind into relaxing. You can also time your breathing to the music or select a 15-minute playlist to control how long your session will last.
Remember the Health Benefits
Meditation isn’t just good for your mental health. It’s also been shown to improve your physical health, particularly your blood pressure. Use this as a motivating factor if you’re struggling to stick with your meditation plans. It will take time for your brain to learn to calm down and embrace your practice, but you’ll start reaping health benefits right away. This is why physicians are starting to recommend a holistic approach to stress management. They know it works.
Regular meditation can improve your relationships, work performance and quality of life. Learning meditation is one of the best ways to start caring for yourself.
