Daily meditation or even just a few moments of mindfulness per day can improve several areas of your life:
….health, relationships, focus, stress levels, blood pressure and many more.
For those of you who are new to the practice, you might have a vague idea of what meditation looks or feels like. You may feel intimated by a story you heard about monks meditating for days at length, or even be confused by some jargon such as “brainwave enhancement.”
But meditation is actually quite simple. All it requires is a few moments of relaxation.
However, these moments of relaxation can be even more effective if you follow some simple tips.
Meditation Tip #1: Commit to a time
When starting any new practice, it is best if you set a general time frame that you can commit to. If meditation isn’t already a habit, you may find yourself pushing it aside or procrastinating. We recommend you do it right when you wake up or right before you fall asleep. At these times, you mind is already in a relaxed state can easily be lead into a meditative state.
Meditation Tip #2: Meditate Undisturbed
To truly commit to your practice, you must surrender your body and mind by falling into a relaxed state. If you anticipate being interrupted, you may find that your practice is not very effective. If you cannot find a place that completely silent, let those around you know that you need a few minutes of undisturbed time to yourself.
Meditation Tip #3: Find an accountability partner
When developing any new habit, it always helps to find a friend or family member that checks in with you and supports your long-term goal. It’s even better if they join you in the same challenge so that you may celebrate successes and milestones together!
Meditation Tip #4: Keep a soft smile on your face
When you smile, you open up your heart and mind to your practice. Additionally, studies have shown that merely smiling can increase feelings of happiness. These positive feelings will not only enhance your overall meditation, but will also reinforce the habit of meditating.
Meditation Tip #5: Breathe
Breathing is something that your body does at every moment. Yet it is involuntary and something that we hardly pay attention to. Focusing on the breath puts you in the present moment. Don’t be worried about changing your breath, just observe how it naturally flows in and out. If your mind tends to drift while listening to meditations, start with observing your breath to bring you back to focus
Meditation Tip #6: Rid yourself of “All-or-Nothing” thinking
When starting out with any new habit, you must give yourself a break and not be too tough on yourself. If you skipped a day of your daily meditation, don’t feel as if you can’t hop right on the wagon again! Meditation benefits you in the moment. Though it is certainly helpful to practice everyday, every bit counts!
Ready to get started?
Click Here to Listen To A Short Beginners Meditation
Listen to this track to learn about how easy meditation can be. After a brief introduction, be guided through a progressive relaxation of each muscle of your body. Sink into a relaxed state of mind in just 5 short minutes!
After listening to this meditation, ask yourself this question:
If you could sink into this relaxed state at will, what areas of your life could you improve?
Could it improve a relationship? Improve your productivity at work? Could it tamper an unwanted habit?