7 Life Hacks to Set Up a Meditation Practice

Meditation has many benefits that are backed by science. It’s common to say to yourself “I should really start meditating,” or have conversations with friends about the amazing things you hear about the practice. But you’re busy, you’re stressed, and you don’t have a good place to meditate anyway.

It’s challenging to learn how to make meditation a habit. But it can pay off in the long-run, big time. Meditation can be the key to reducing stress, and even just 20 minutes of the mindfulness based practice can have a profound effect on your day. If you’re looking to get a meditation routine going, but aren’t sure where to start, use these seven life hacks to get you going.

1. Find the Right Type of Meditation

There are many types of meditation, so take a quick quiz to find out which style is right for you. The key to setting up a routine you’ll stick with is finding your groove. You have to find a practice you’re passionate about one that you’re comfortable doing.

There’s transcendental meditation, which celebrities swear by and mindfulness meditation to calm anxiety and aid in relaxation. If you’re always on-the-go and trying to find the time, don’t worry. Mini-meditation sessions can save the day. Or, if you have trouble sitting still, try active meditation. Active meditation includes a lot of things you’re probably doing every day as it it.

2. Set up a Spot for Meditation at Home

Learn how to set up a meditation space at home, where your mind can feel at ease and a sense of calm can wash over you. You don’t need a huge house, and the space can be one that you set up and put away when you’re done if you’re short on space.

The key to creating a meditation space is to find an area that is uncluttered and comfortable. This could be your couch or bed, as many people love to recline while they meditate. Bring a sense of “Om” to the room by lighting a scented candle, burning some incense, and listen to a meditation playlist to get to find balance.

The room can be bright or dark, cozy with blankets and a meditation cushion, or minimalistic with plants. However you feel most comfortable. If it’s an “as needed” meditation space, meaning you have to clear the area once you’re done, designate a spot in your closest for your favorite meditation pillow or blanket and keep a candle and lighter easily within reach.

3. Find Scents That Comfort You

We mentioned lighting a candle or burning incense in your meditation space, but don’t just grab whatever you have laying around. Meditation is about getting in touch with your inner-most self, and to do so you must be centered, able to rest with your body and mind.

Meditation uses the five senses to bring you into the present moment, and scent is perhaps the most important. Shop around for calming candle scents, or try out various types of incense. You can also buy an oil diffuser and try aromatherapy. Test out scents including lavender, sandalwood, or chamomile. They are known for their relaxing properties.

4. Use a Meditation App

Yes, if you’re looking for one of the GR8EST life hacks to set up a meditation practice, try using an app. There are plenty available. Here are our favorites. Apps are excellent for beginners, as well as anyone who is looking to get back into a routine.

If you’re an experienced meditator and are looking for some fresh inspiration to try something new, give an app a try. They offer guided meditation sessions in various lengths. Whether you have five minutes or sixty minutes to spare, a meditation app can get your head in the game.

5. Find a Routine

We know you’re busy, so finding a meditation routine doesn’t have to be setting a strict time every day and following through. Instead, it can be identifying a trigger that signals to yourself it’s time to meditate.

Are you feeling anxious? Meditation is known for working wonders on anxiety. If you feel that overwhelming feeling come over you, take a break from what you’re doing and complete a short meditation. Or, if you’re at work and start experiencing negative thoughts and feelings, use it as a cue to complete a quick desk meditation. No one will even know you’re in the Om-zone.

Still, others feel better when they carve out a set routine. Some swear by meditating in the morning. If you find that this works for you, build your routine out to include more feel-good aspects, like making pre-meditation morning smoothies.

6. Don’t Give Up

If you’re looking to set up a meditation practice, but feel overwhelmed by trying something new, we have you covered. After finding the right meditation technique based on your personality, give it a go for just two minutes at a time to start.

Remember, rest your eyes, focus on your breath, and bring yourself into the here and now. Let go of events from the day that are bothering you and forgo your worries about what the future may hold. Meditation is an opportunity to find solace deep within yourself, offering you peace, quiet, and a rejuvenated mind.

7. Don’t Stress

Since the goal of meditation is to relax, reset, and let go, don’t stress or feel guilty if you skip sessions on your schedule or forget to take a moment after a trigger. Meditation is a practice that takes time to build and progress is the key.

If you’re looking for accountability, see if joining a meditation group is right for you. Meditation groups are judgement-free zones, with meditators of all levels. From beginners to gurus, everyone comes together for a common purpose. To become centered, to find a moment of stillness in our busy world, and to carry positivity back throughout daily life.

GR8 Meditation Resources

At GR8NESS, we’re all about meditation. We curate content on a regular basis to help all those who are interested in learning more about the practice. If you’re looking for some more info, check out:

• The most popular types of meditation
• The difference between indoor and outdoor meditation
• The best breathing exercises for meditation