So we hear a lot about this whole "meditation" thing and how life changing it is but at the same time you are probably a little skeptical or confused if you have never really gotten into it.
So I wanted to sit down and talk you through my thoughts on mediation as someone who has meditated on and off for a couple of years now. 2018 is the year that I really want to put a focus on my meditation practice though and get a good regime going because I can see the benefits it brings to my life.
I'm not going to pretend to be an expert but I am going to be telling you what has worked for me and what kind of benefits I have seen.
My goal is to meditate every single day and I know that might sound like a lot, but it can be as little as a few minutes out of a 24 hour day and it's so easy to find that kind of time.
Okay now let's get into it
I have recently started incorporating the HeadSpace app into my daily routine. This definitely isn't sponsored and I'm still making up my mind about if the app is worth it because I think it will be a subscription you have to pay for after the first stage. I do really like how it sends you 2 reminders a day to stop and have a meditative moment. I also like how guided the whole process is and how the practices are quite short, only about 3-5 minutes.
For my other mediations, I have a Playlist on YouTube where I save all of my favourites and go into whenever I'm looking to find a mediation.
Short Meditations (5-15 minutes)
When I wake up in the morning I like to engage in a shorter meditation for the 5-15 minutes just to help me wake up, put myself in a positive headspace and start the day out right.
I like the following YouTube guided meditations;
'5 Minute Morning Mediation / Bring positivity into your life'
'Guided Morning Mediation / 10 minute to kick start your day'
'Positive Mind in 5 Minutes'
Long Meditations (45-90 minutes)
I usually listen to these ones as I'm going to sleep because they are quite lengthy and they do help me doze off in a really relaxing way. I find I sleep a lot better whenever I've listened to one of these mediations to get me to sleep.
I like the following longer YouTube guided meditations for sleep;
'Guided meditation for detachment from over-thinking'
'Surrender meditation / letting go'
'Journey to becoming your ideal self'
Meditation can be as simple and sitting and breathing deeply, clearing your mind of any thoughts and focussing on your breath. If I'm looking for a quick fix or am just in the mood for silence, this is the simple practice I will do.
Meditation sounds too simple to be true but it doesn't mean it's easy. Sitting there and doing nothing, training your mind to be free of thoughts is a challenge not to be underestimated.
Since this is a huge goal of mine in 2018 I would love to make this a series and continue to update you on my progress and little hacks I've found that make the practice easier.
I'm not going to pretend to be an expert but I am going to be telling you what has worked for me and what kind of benefits I have seen.
My goal is to meditate every single day and I know that might sound like a lot, but it can be as little as a few minutes out of a 24 hour day and it's so easy to find that kind of time.
Okay now let's get into it
Benefits
The reason I meditate is because of how calm, positive and clear it makes me feel. Here are some specific examples of when I might meditate and the benefit I get from it.
- If I'm stressed at work and stop in my lunch break for 5-10 minutes it refocusses me and I suddenly can look on my work and situations with a clear mind and fresh perspective.
- If I'm overthinking or overanalysing a situation on my mind stopping to meditate will allow to me to gain and outside insight into how I'm feeling and calm the thoughts.
- If I'm struggling with an issue or decision meditating on it will often help me sort out my thoughts and better find an answer to my problem.
- When I'm going to bed meditating puts me in an extremely relaxed state where I sleep better and fully relax.
If you experience anxiety or depression, meditation has been proven to be of huge help in relieving some of these symptoms.
My Practices
HeadSpace AppI have recently started incorporating the HeadSpace app into my daily routine. This definitely isn't sponsored and I'm still making up my mind about if the app is worth it because I think it will be a subscription you have to pay for after the first stage. I do really like how it sends you 2 reminders a day to stop and have a meditative moment. I also like how guided the whole process is and how the practices are quite short, only about 3-5 minutes.
For my other mediations, I have a Playlist on YouTube where I save all of my favourites and go into whenever I'm looking to find a mediation.
Short Meditations (5-15 minutes)
When I wake up in the morning I like to engage in a shorter meditation for the 5-15 minutes just to help me wake up, put myself in a positive headspace and start the day out right.
I like the following YouTube guided meditations;
'5 Minute Morning Mediation / Bring positivity into your life'
'Guided Morning Mediation / 10 minute to kick start your day'
'Positive Mind in 5 Minutes'
Long Meditations (45-90 minutes)
I usually listen to these ones as I'm going to sleep because they are quite lengthy and they do help me doze off in a really relaxing way. I find I sleep a lot better whenever I've listened to one of these mediations to get me to sleep.
I like the following longer YouTube guided meditations for sleep;
'Guided meditation for detachment from over-thinking'
'Surrender meditation / letting go'
'Journey to becoming your ideal self'
Meditation can be as simple and sitting and breathing deeply, clearing your mind of any thoughts and focussing on your breath. If I'm looking for a quick fix or am just in the mood for silence, this is the simple practice I will do.
Meditation sounds too simple to be true but it doesn't mean it's easy. Sitting there and doing nothing, training your mind to be free of thoughts is a challenge not to be underestimated.
Since this is a huge goal of mine in 2018 I would love to make this a series and continue to update you on my progress and little hacks I've found that make the practice easier.
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