How to Start Your Own Meditation Practice

Experts say that the best way to practice meditation is to dedicate ten to twenty minutes every day. Read this blog post to learn about how to meditate, resources for guided meditation, and how to incorporate your practice into your daily routine.

What is Meditation?

Meditation is a mental practice that helps you bring attention to your brain activity. The goal of meditation is to focus your mind on the present. This normally involves breathing practices, closing your eyes, and focusing on the present moment.

What Are The Benefits of Meditation?

According to the UC Davis Health Center, meditation offers multiple mental and physical health benefits that can add more positivity to your daily life. Some of the benefits include:

• Decreased stress
• Improved focus
• Decreased blood pressure 
• Less anxiety
• Improved sleep
• Less chronic pain

How Does Meditation Work?

Meditation looks different for everyone. Here are three tips that experts recommend for everyone to include in their meditation practice:

The meditation app Headspace recommends finding a space where you feel most comfortable so that you can reach the maximum level of relaxation. Whether it’s your room, your couch, or in your shower, only you know where you feel most at peace. 

Pick somewhere that is quiet or has minimal background noise so that you can focus. Some meditation specialists recommend meditating to nature sounds, such as the ocean or the sound of falling water.

Most people tend to sit down when they meditate. However, if you want to sit on the floor or stand in your room, the choice is yours. Just find the posture that helps you relax.

Focus your mind on the present instead of worrying about the past or the future. Meditation includes taking deep breaths, allowing your mind to wander, and then bringing your mind back to focus. You’ll often hear the term “mindfulness” associated with meditation. That simply means to be mindful of how you’re feeling and what you’re thinking.

Need help focusing? Try a guided meditation so that you can follow along while someone guides you through the meditation process. You can find great guided meditations and resources in apps such as Calm and Headspace.

How Often Should I Meditate?

To get the most out of your meditation practice, you should try to meditate daily so that you can train your mind. The University of Rochester Medical Center recommends meditating at least ten to twenty minutes per day for consistency. 

The Calm app recommends pairing your meditation with a daily habit, such as an afternoon coffee break or taking a bath or shower, so that your brain associates meditation with another daily practice.

Find Your Peace

Use these resources to establish meditation as a daily practice in your life. If you’re looking for more ways to relax and unwind at home, try listening to a podcast, aromatherapy, or a hot bath.