Research shows that even just five minutes a day of meditation can be hugely beneficial in helping you relieve stress, boost your mood and clearing your head. It can be daunting not knowing where to start, so we are here to support you with some tips for any meditation beginner to help guide you on your wellness journey.
Find somewhere comfortable and quiet
Meditation will only be effective if you're able to fully immerse yourself, so feeling at ease in your environment is step 1. Choose somewhere you feel relaxed and safe enough to be able to fully let yourself go, with as little noise as possible so you can't get distracted.
Go with the flow
Particularly for a beginner, it can be difficult to filter out your thoughts and be able to completely zone out - that's normal. Allow yourself to have these thoughts enter your mind, and then gently push them out again. It may seem impossible to have a clear head, but it takes practice and overtime your mind will get better at not letting your thoughts intrude during meditation. Of course, this may be harder in particularly stressful moments but that's why it is important to stand strong and keep going.
Experiment
As we've mentioned, there's no one-size-fits-all in mindfulness. So, it is useful for a beginner to try things such as music, fragrant candles or audio guides, to rule out what doesn't work and create a bank of what does. And just because something may be trending or be what most people seem to do, don't put pressure on yourself to do anything if it just isn't for you!
Don't overthink it
Many people are too worried about 'doing it right'. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to meditate and if you find a way that works for you, hold onto it! Make sure to be as natural as possible, and let yourself breathe as your normally would. Focus on your breathing, but don't try to control it. Meditation is a space to let go, not try to perfect.
