Transcript
Hello! Today, I’ll share ten tips to help you turn meditation into a lasting habit. Stay tuned, and let’s dive in!
In my opinion, the first tip is one of the most important on the list.
Start Small.
Keep your meditation sessions comfortable and enjoyable. This may mean sitting for just 5 minutes at a time. When you feel ready to increase the duration of your practice, try increasing the frequency first.
Choose a Place.
Setting up an intentional meditation space can help encourage us to practice. There’s no need for a fancy cushion or altar, but do find a safe, small space where you can sit undisturbed, relatively free from distractions.
Schedule a Time.
Many people find meditating first thing in the morning is helpful. The energy of the day is still calm, and the mind hasn’t yet busied itself with activity. Regardless, find the time that works best for you, then schedule it on your daily calendar, just as you would with any other important appointment.
Use a Guided Meditation:
If you’re unsure where to begin or how to get started, use a guided meditation. Guided meditation practice can be helpful for habit forming. As you get more comfortable with meditation, try alternating between guided and self-guided practice. Then, let go of the guide all together.
Practice Self-Compassion
At every step in your meditation journey, practice patience and self-compassion. Remember, meditation isn’t about maintaining perfect, undisturbed awareness. It’s about becoming more mindful of when we’re distracted and practicing the return to intention.
Attach Meditation to an Existing Habit:
Pairing meditation with a daily routine, like your morning coffee or post-workout cooldown, can make it feel like a natural part of your day. This strategy helps your brain connect meditation with established habits, making it easier to remember and stick with it.
For example, try sitting quietly with your coffee each morning, savoring the warmth and aroma as you ease into a mindful state.
Set Reminders:
Use alarms or phone notifications to keep meditation on your radar, especially when building your practice. Choose a time that works best for your routine and set a gentle reminder to prompt you. Over time, this can help train your mind to expect and even look forward to the quiet moments.
Track Your Progress:
Keep a journal or use a meditation app to log each session. Tracking helps you visualize your journey, recognize patterns, and celebrate milestones, which can keep you motivated to stay consistent. Recording how you feel before and after each session can also reveal how meditation impacts your mood over time, making the practice more rewarding and meaningful.
Celebrate Small Wins:
Acknowledge every moment you make time for meditation, even if it’s just a few minutes. Recognizing these small steps as progress reinforces the habit, boosts motivation, and builds a positive association with your practice. Remember, each session is a step forward, helping you establish meditation as part of your daily routine.
Find a Meditation Partner:
Partnering with someone for meditation, whether in person or virtually, can enhance your motivation and commitment. Sharing the experience allows for accountability, support, and encouragement, making it easier to establish and maintain a regular practice together.
You find our guided meditation videos on YouTube / @InsightTerapi