Meditation has become incredibly popular lately. Even doctors have started recommending meditation to deal with stress. Those who see the benefits of meditating, even though they make it a lifestyle, may still be prejudiced or do not know exactly what it is and why it is beneficial. We share our introductory meditation tips for those who really want to get started.
In recent days, we have been feeling intensely the feelings of fear, anxiety, worry or boredom. While we can’t control things, we can control how we deal with things. Meditation is one of the things that can be done to combat tension and stress. Making meditation your daily routine can make things easier and increase your vitality and energy. But knowing how and where to start can be difficult. Here are some suggestions that might work for you:
Let’s start by looking at exactly what meditation means. The origin of the word comes from the Latin word ‘meditatio’, which means ‘contemplation’. By controlling the mind, we can summarize it as techniques to reach self-existence. Meditation is an approach to training the mind and body, and there are many meditation techniques.
Why should I do meditation?
If you’re asking this question, we can assume that you had the thought of meditating in the back of your mind. A right first step! While the benefits of meditating may vary based on personal experience, experts agree that everyone can gain something positive from meditation.
Meditation has important benefits such as relieving stress, increasing inner peace, increasing your sleep quality, strengthening the ability to focus, reducing anxiety and fears, strengthening the immune system, reducing the feeling of fatigue, and strengthening memory. Anyone who is curious about a busy and stressful work life, disrupted sleep patterns or just meditation experience can start meditation with a suitable technique.
If you’re convinced to try but don’t know where to start, keep reading.
Create a designated space to meditate
In fact, all you need to meditate is a quiet and comfortable environment. Therefore, you can try meditation techniques at home, in a forest, or in your office. However, choosing a regular room or space to hold your meditation sessions can help train the body and mind to feel more relaxed. This can help you transition into meditation more easily.
You can create a more relaxed state of mind by choosing a special meditation area and keeping it clean and tidy. If you want, you can personalize this area even more, add your favorite plants or design it with your favorite colors. However, let us remind you that the most important thing you need is to create a quiet and comfortable environment.
Small but steady steps
The power of meditation lies in establishing a routine and making it a daily practice. In fact, even though you have passed the most important threshold by starting, you can see the benefits by meditating regularly every day. Remember that maintaining a routine is key to feeling these effects. An academic study conducted in 2019 says that meditating for 15 minutes every day increases peace of mind and reduces stress levels. The study also shares the conclusion that meditating daily has a similar effect on the body as taking a ‘vacation’. Therefore, by setting achievable goals for yourself, you can turn meditation into a daily routine so that you can see the benefits more effectively.
You can get started guided by an application
In conjunction with the previous item, you may find it difficult – at least initially – to do your daily meditation practice alone. At this point, meditation applications can come to your aid. You can make a fresh start, especially with some practices that can guide those who have not meditated before. We recommend you to take a look at meditation applications such as Insight Timer, MyLife Meditation, Simple Habit, Calm and MindFi.
Set yourself little reminders
Although it is easy to say “I will meditate every day”, it is just as normal not to find time for this in the intensity of the daily routine. To prevent this, you can prepare reminder notes that you can easily see and warn you. If you want, you can set an alarm on your phone, or you can leave small notes at home.
Don’t try to control every detail, just do it
When we start something new, we want everything to be organized and right. This situation can bring with it the stress of controlling everything. Of course, it is very important and even beneficial to research and think about where to sit, how to dress, what technique to start with. But none is as important as taking action. Start by sitting on a chair or armchair, or on your bed. Cross-legged can be another option if you’re comfortable on the ground. You can start your first experience in an environment where you feel comfortable, in your comfortable clothes, by letting it flow.
Be kind to yourself
While meditation has many benefits, it’s fundamental to learning to be kind to yourself, no matter what you’re experiencing. It is useful to think of meditation sessions as a long-term journey. In this journey, some days may be easier than others, or vice versa, it may not be as you want every time. These changes are perfectly normal. In this process, you will learn not to burden yourself and to be kind to yourself, it is useful to be a little patient.
