Quiet your mind with meditation

Life’s hectic. Meditation will help you slow down, and give your mind a much-needed rest

According to the developers of guided meditation app, Headspace, “meditation isn’t about becoming a different person, a new person or even a better person. It’s about training in awareness and getting a healthy perspective. You’re not trying to turn off your thoughts or feelings. You’re learning to observe without judgement.”

Meditation can be difficult, particularly if you haven’t done it before, so when you’re just starting out it can be helpful to try guided meditations. These are readily easily accessible on apps including Headspace, The Mindfulness App, Calm, Mindbody and Stop, Breathe and Think.

Remember that the mind can be an odd and confusing place sometimes, so you’re doing a great job just having a go.

Ready to try? Here are five easy steps to get you on the path to meditation.

1. Find your space

Try and find a spot that is private and you feel totally comfortable. Remove any clutter. A bedroom is a good suggestion.

2. Sit comfortably

There are a lot of different ways to sit when you meditate, but two of the most common ways include sitting cross-legged on the floor and sitting on a chair. It is not recommended that you lie down, as this is likely to induce sleep, and the point of meditating is to occupy a state of awareness.

3. Clear your mind

Loosen your body, stretch, and take a few deep breaths. Close your eyes.

4. Sit and observe

Notice the thoughts that come into your mind. Don’t engage with them, just observe them. You’ll find that when you’re meditating, things will probably come into your mind such as, “I need to go to the shops tomorrow”, or “I need to reply to that email” — tasks to keep you occupied. However, you are a passive observer in meditation and it is your job to not engage with your thoughts, and to simply observe them. If you become distracted by these thoughts, imagine popping them like a balloon.

5. Finish your meditation

Slowly open your eyes again and become aware with your physical surroundings again. If you’d like to, sit quietly in your meditative space and get up when you feel ready to resume physical activities again.