Meditation has long been known to have numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being. However, for beginners, starting can feel overwhelming and it can be challenging to fully reap its benefits. Guided meditation allows for a more structured and focused approach to meditation, but even then, there are some tips and tricks to get the most out of your sessions. In this post, we’ll discuss five easy tips for beginners to make the most of their guided meditation practice.
1. Find the Right Space
When it comes to guided meditation, it’s important to choose the right environment. Find a quiet, peaceful and comfortable space where you won’t be disturbed by external sounds and distractions. Make sure the temperature is right, perhaps add a few candles, incense or essential oils that will help relax and focus your mind (our brains do really well with CONSISTENCY, so if you can have certain scents, temperatures, sounds, etc. every time you meditate, this will help you relax faster!).
2. Set a Schedule
Just like any other productive habit, getting into the routine of meditation is crucial. Aim for a consistent time and duration so your mind and body can get accustomed to the practice. Start small, perhaps 10-15 minutes per session, and gradually build up to longer periods. Remember, consistency is key! The hours before sunrise are considered PRIME for meditation/mindfulness practices, but any time will do- as long as you're consistent with it!
3. Follow Your Breath
Guided meditations typically focus on breathing techniques, and for good reason. Breathing patterns can help slow the mind, relax the body, and bring a sense of awareness to the present moment. Follow the guidance of the meditation and try to focus solely on your breath, gradually slowing it down and taking deeper breaths. In doing so, you’ll allow your mind and body to fully relax and let go of any tension.
4. Practice Gratitude
Gratitude and mindfulness go hand-in-hand. During your meditation, try to cultivate a mindset of gratitude by focusing on things you are thankful for. Every day, try to pick something specific, maybe it’s the sunshine on your face, a good conversation with a colleague, or a delicious meal you had. Focusing on these things will help shift your mindset and bring more awareness to the joys that surround you. Many studies on gratitude show a correlation between gratitude practices and an individual's wellbeing.
If you need some ideas on how to incorporate gratitude into your life or want to do an intensive gratitude experiment, check out my blog post, How 40 Days of Gratitude Changed my Life.
5. Stay Consistent
Like we said before, consistency is key! Just like brushing your teeth or working out, meditation is not a habit that will develop overnight. To make the most of your guided meditation practice, make sure to stay consistent. Even on days where you feel unmotivated, try to push yourself to practice, even if it’s just for a few minutes. (Seriously- even just 60 seconds of deep breathing can be impactful!) Over time, you’ll begin to see the benefits of consistency and the growth of your practice.
Guided meditation has many benefits, and with these five tips, beginners can start to make the most out of their practice. Remember, creating a comfortable environment, setting a schedule, focusing on your breath, practicing gratitude, and staying consistent are all key ingredients to getting the most out of your time spent meditating. With some time and effort, you’ll start to feel the positive effects of meditation seeping into all areas of your life. Why not start today?
Guided Meditation Resources
If you need some resources for guided meditations, here's a few FREE guided meditations available on my Youtube Channel:
Namaste, friends!
Haley
