Six ways to fit meditation into your day

Make meditation a daily habit with these easy tips.

By now, many of us are well aware of the benefits of meditation. Countless studies have proved meditation effective at reducing stress, easing anxiety and promoting overall well-being. Having said this, taking 20 minutes for yourself can seem like an impossible task.

With hectic schedules, careers and/or a family to look after, you may laugh at the notion of finding your Zen. Before you list your excuses, think about all the things you do make time for – checking social media, online shopping, watching TV – are these really as important for your health?

If you are keen to try meditation, but are struggling to find the time – perhaps the following tips will help:

1. Accept that meditation doesn’t have to take place in a quiet, sacred environment

You can meditate anywhere – no matter how loud or out in the open you are. In fact, learn to zone out in places like this and you’ll be able to meditate anywhere.

2. Be flexible about the time you meditate

If you detest mornings, don’t force yourself out of bed to meditate. Work with your natural rhythms and meditate when it feels most beneficial to you.

3. Grab any opportunity to meditate

This tip is especially true if you have young children pulling you in multiple directions. Sometimes you have to grab any opportunity you can – even if it is just five minutes.

4. Get creative

Meditate on your commute to work, meditate in the staff room at lunch or meditate on a park bench. Once you stop worrying what other people think, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to meditate.

5. Shift your perspective

If you think about meditation as another chore to add to your to-do list, chances are you’ll keep putting it off. Try to view it as an investment for maintaining your well-being in the long-term.

6. Be kind to yourself

Sometimes life simply gets in the way. Don’t beat yourself up if you miss the occasional session – instead, pick yourself up and start again tomorrow.

If you are keen to learn more about alternative therapies and how they can help lower stress levels, please browse our therapy topics.

View and comment on the original Mind Body Green article.