Perhaps you like the idea of meditating on a daily basis, but your schedule is too tight. We all have a lot to take care of—families, jobs, friends, finding time for ourselves, to name a few. The big question is; is it even possible to incorporate meditation into our everyday routine?
Time has a solid grasp over our lives, influencing where we go and what we do down to the minute—yet it can feel utterly arbitrary for something so crucial to our everyday existence. But, for the most part, time passes us by so quickly that we lose track of it.
With so much on our plates and the continual pressure to get a lot of things done before the day ends, meditating can feel like just another "will-do" for which we don't have enough time.
You can accomplish a lot more when you train your mind to be clear and focused. So, the first step in making meditation a priority is creating time for it and understanding that it will free up more time in your schedule, making you more productive.
Here are a few pointers to help you get started, but the ideal strategy is knowing the one that will work for you and that you'll stick to.
How To Make Time For Meditation
1. Make a Consistent Effort to Meditate Daily
Examine your schedule for the following few days, and plan several meditation sessions. Choose a few times when you are available and plan to meditate at those times, even if it is only for a few minutes.
Being consistent is one of the most essential factors in starting a meditation routine. Of course, if finding time to meditate is a struggle, a consistent meditation routine may seem like a lofty goal. However, by planning ahead, you can ensure that you will have the opportunity to meditate, and you may find that certain times of the day work best.
If you know you will have a few minutes free every day at the same time, commit that time to meditate. Picking a time will help you in developing a routine.
2. Meditate first thing in the morning.
Try not to wake anyone else up when you rise. You can wake loved ones after you've meditated. You may use the restroom, and sit down somewhere to meditate as soon as you wake up in the morning. If you use an alarm clock to get up, set it ten minutes earlier than usual. For a variety of reasons, it is best to meditate first thing in the morning. You will less likely be distracted, and your meditation session will help you begin your day with clarity and enthusiasm. As soon as you wake up, don't check your phone. It can wait few minutes!
3. Stick to short, regular sessions
You may discover that your day-to-day responsibilities sometimes shorten the time intervals you set up for meditation. It's fine if you don't have as much time as you expected; the most important thing is to stick with it. Any concerns about the length of your meditation sessions should be put aside in favor of sticking to a regular pattern.
Make an effort to meditate even if you can only meditate for a few minutes. A five-minutes meditation session every day is preferable to a 30-minute meditation session every three days since consistency is key to developing a successful routine!
4. Set up a reminder system
Creating a meditation schedule will only help if you stick to it! Create an alert in an online calendar or your phone's alarm clock to help you recall your commitment to meditate at a specific time and day.
5. Before you go home after work, try to meditate.
If you aren't a morning person, various options could be perfect for regular meditation. After work, try to make it a habit to meditate every day. If you have a car, for example, you can meditate outside before getting into your car.
Another fantastic approach is to start meditating as soon as you get home. Post-work meditation sessions can be especially beneficial because they help you switch from work life to home life.
6. Take a few moments during the day to meditate.
Another incredible way to develop your appreciation for meditation is to meditate whenever the opportunity arises. If you're having problems committing to a time and adhering to it, try to meditate for one minute at least five times a day.
7. Close your eyes and set a timer for 60 seconds.
Concentrate solely on your breath, imagining how it feels as it enters and exits your mouth, throat, and lungs. This alone will make you feel more relaxed.
We can all relate to not having enough time in our lives, but the truth is that when we meditate, we have more time since we're more productive. As it turns out, there are numerous opportunities throughout the day to practice meditation and mindfulness. All you have to do is plan ahead, and commit to your own self-care. It’s important to note that for it to be effective, meditation must be an appointment that you keep, not something you do when you feel like doing it.