How to bring meditation into your life

You’ve probably heard the buzz around meditation recently but it can seem like a bit of a foreign concept to get our heads round. Depending on the type of meditation you want to try, the time you need to dedicate to this practice can vary - from 20 minutes two times a day for Vedic Meditation to 10 minutes on app - it can feel like an overwhelming concept to weave into your already busy schedule. So if you’re looking to bring meditation into your life, take a look at our tips below to get you started.

1. Start small - 3 to 5 minutes a day is all you need to get into a routine. Although that sounds like a small amount of time, it can feel like an eternity when you’re sat there trying to concentrate. Try to focus on counting your breaths and set a timer to let yourself know when you’re finished.
   
   
2. Try an app - depending on your preference there are several different types you can try. Headspace offers guided programmes for different ailments such as stress and anxiety whilst Calm offers sleep stories in addition to the above (Stephen Fry reading you a bedtime tale is surprisingly effective!). The ‘Relax’ function on the Fitbit too is a gentle reminder to take a few minutes to breathe - follow the circle with your breathing to centre yourself if you’re feeling stressed.
   
   
3. Walking Meditation - if you want to get closer to nature whilst living your life more mindfully then all you need to do is get out into the great outdoors. Walking meditation is easy to fit into your lifestyle as it can be done on the way to your office or during a lunch break. Simply walk at a slightly slower pace, be aware of your feet landing on the pavement heel to toe and allow your eyes to focus on the space ahead of you. Walk for however long feels necessary to centre yourself.
   
   
4. Don’t expect too much - if you think your meditation practice will be perfect the first time then you’ll probably be disappointed. It’s hard to quieten your mind and thoughts will naturally come and go - accept them and know that meditation is a learning process. So don’t beat yourself up if it doesn’t feel perfect - just ensure you try it again the next day.

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