Meditation is said to have a myriad of benefits. It’s believed to reduce stress, increase clarity, and promote overall wellness. It’s fairly simple to pick up, though tough to master. But the benefits are almost immediate. Meditating for as little as five to 10 minutes can help you sleep better. Research suggests that over time meditation can be useful for managing several chronic health problems, including mental health disorders like depression and anxiety.

It can be a bit perplexing to figure out how and where to start. The good news is there isn’t a right way to meditate. In this practice of mindfulness, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Meditation is about feeling relaxed, calm, and aware of the present and there are many ways to get there. Former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen swears by what she calls the moving meditation. All you have to do is play soothing music while engaging in light movement. Here are some tips to help you get started. 

Keep it simple

The worst mistake you can make while starting your meditation journey is to make the ritual so complex that it overwhelms you and you give up after a couple of days. This is also the most common mistake. When you are first beginning to develop a practice, keep the approach simple. Sen’s moving meditation could be one way to go about it. But if you’d rather sit down and do it, find a quiet place, put on some nice tunes, and begin by trying to focus on your breath. We often think sitting cross-legged is the ideal way to meditate as that is how it is often depicted. But the best meditation posture is one that is comfortable. So, sit on the chair, your comfiest couch, or stand up. The choice is yours.

Focus on your breath

Everyone knows this but this can often be the most difficult thing to do. Try to focus your attention on each inhale and exhale. Alternatively, you can do a body scan. Focus on each part of the body pausing to notice the sensations. Distractions will come. Your mind will wander. Acknowledge it but don’t dwell on it, and gently bring your attention back to your breathing. The goal isn’t to turn off your brain but to let go of your thoughts as they arise. Learning how to manage distraction is an important part of meditation and you will, with practice, get the hang of it. However, don’t try to control your breath. Keep it natural.

Practice in bursts

You will most likely be unable to sit for a long time without feeling uneasy or impatient. At the beginning of your practice, start by meditating for short bursts of time. You can set the timer for as little as three to five minutes and just stay still and concentrate on your breathing during that time. You can do this multiple times during the day. As you get the hang of it, and you will, you can increase the time to 10 to 15 minutes and then slowly work your way up from there. Early morning is probably one of the best times to meditate. You can finish your practice before others in your house wake up and start making a lot of noise.

Set aside a space to meditate

Though experts say you can meditate anywhere, it can be helpful to have a designated space for meditation. It’s good for habit-building and you are more likely to stick to the practice if you have a designated corner for it. So, create a calming space with some pillows, candles, and incense, and surround yourself with things that bring in a sense of calm. Make sure the place is relatively free of distractions. Though a separate space is not a prerequisite, having one will usher in some discipline and dedication. You don’t have to meditate at home. You can do it in the park or even at the office before you begin work. It just might be a good idea to have a space that feels like a meditation spot but it can be anywhere.

Cut yourself some slack

Your journey to meditation bliss will not be a straight path. Accept that and give yourself a break. Many people dive into the practice with lofty ambitions and when they inevitably fall off the wagon, they give up altogether. The key here is to begin again. If you meditate for a few days and find that you are unable to meditate for a couple of days, don’t give up on it. Start again. The same goes for when you are meditating and get distracted. Begin again. Nothing’s lost. Tell yourself that. Give yourself credit for focusing on your breath even if it’s for a few minutes. Be kind to yourself throughout the process.