3 Simple Steps to Make Meditation Your New Healthy Habit

If you haven’t started a meditation practice yet, or if you find it difficult in any way, don’t be discouraged. Meditation is wildly popular these days, yet many people are intimidated by the thought of it. There’s a common misconception that meditation is hard and you have to know how to stop your thoughts. That’s a scary concept!
 
It’s actually very easy to get started. The truth is, you don’t have to be “good” at meditation to reap its benefits. Deepak Chopra said it best when he said this about meditation, “If you’re doing it … you’re doing it right.”
 
Lately, it seems like we’ve been bombarded with the many studies showing the abundant benefits of meditation. From reducing stress, to increasing productivity and focus, to increased happiness and to even changing your very brain – meditation is a wellness trend that isn’t going away, and that’s a good thing.
 
Okay, we get it … everyone should start a meditation practice! But “how?” is the question. If you are interested in incorporating a meditation or mindfulness routine into your life, but aren’t quite sure how to begin, try these 3 simple steps:
 

1. Set small meditation goals

Make sure you’re setting yourself up for success by completing one tiny meditation goal at a time. Typically, we set ourselves up for failure by implementing unachievable milestones. And when we fall short on performance, we end up dropping the new healthy habit because we failed during it’s infancy stages.
 
Meditation – like any other activity you want to master – takes time and practice. So start slow and steady, and have patience with yourself.
 
Try kicking it off with just 5-10 minutes of meditation, 2 times per week. Consistently achieving this goal for a few weeks will make you feel confident and therefore more likely to continue. Eventually you will feel inclined to increase the time you meditate every week. Ideally, you’ll want to work your way up to a daily meditation, but again … baby steps.

“If you’re doing it … you’re doing it right.” ~ Deepak Chopra

2. Schedule it

Who’s life isn’t busy? Anyone?! Hey, we’re a busy society and there are loads of opportunities for distraction. Just like any other activity you seek to accomplish during the day, schedule it and you’ll be 10 times more likely to do it.
 
Proactively schedule meditation into your calendar as an appointment, just like you would a business meeting or doctor’s visit. Having a designated meditation time removes the opportunity for distractions to get in between you and your goals.
 

3. Try guided meditation

Not knowing “how” to meditate is not a valid excuse anymore. There are trained experts that can lead you through easy guided meditations to get you started. Guided meditation videos are a great place to start because you just hit play, watch, listen and follow along.
 
Remember, go at a pace that works for you and don’t give up! If you are feeling your mind wander and out of control one day, it does not mean it will be the same tomorrow. The important part is that you’re doing it. Even if you’re “trying” but feeling you’re not “succeeding,” know that you are still reaping all the benefits that meditation and mindfulness has to offer – mind, body and spirit.
 

Give This Guided Meditation a Try