Meditation for Beginners: Tips to Start When You Don’t Have a Clue
Picture yourself sitting cross-legged, eyes closed, desperately seeking inner peace while your mind screams, “Are we there yet?!”
If this sounds like you, welcome to the “Meditation for Beginners” club!
In this article, we’ll explore simple techniques to turn your mind from a tantrum-throwing toddler into a Zen master.
Stick around to learn how just a few minutes a day can help you de-stress, improve focus, and even become more patient with that coworker who won’t stop clicking their pen! Let’s jump in.
Beginners Mediation Is Hard
Meditation practice itself isn’t difficult, well at least the techniques aren’t, but it’s such a broad term and there are so many people that have different views on it, that it makes difficult to know where to start and whether you’re doing it correctly.
What Is Beginners Meditation?
Beginners meditation is the starting point of a journey to a calmer, more focused mind. It’s the practice of training your attention and awareness to be present in the moment, letting go of the clutter that often fills our thoughts.
For newbies, this means starting with simple, easy-to-follow techniques that don’t require a monk’s discipline or a yogi’s flexibility.
The goal is to build a foundation of mindfulness and mental stability, allowing you to reap the benefits of reduced stress, increased focus, and a greater sense of well-being.
So, even if your mind wanders off to your grocery list or last night’s Netflix binge, don’t worry! That’s completely normal. With patience and practice, you’ll soon discover the tranquility and focus that meditation can bring to your life.
How to Meditate
There are lots of different ways to meditate, and I’ll go through those a little later, but for now, we’re going to practice what’s called mindful breathing.
This is a good first mindfulness meditation routine to start with, as anyone can practice it whether you’re a complete beginner, or trying to get back into the practice.
I’ve recorded a 10-minute video you can follow along to, or I’ve listed a step-by-step guide below.
A step-by-step guide to meditation for beginners
Take a seat: Find a comfortable place to sit, you don’t have to sit in any special pose, just make sure you can breathe easily. Either the floor, on a cushion, or on a chair is fine.
Set a timer: As this is your first time, set a timer for a short amount of time, such as five or ten minutes.
Let your mind and body know it’s time to meditate: Take three deep breaths, breathing in through the nose, and breathing out through the mouth. The more you practice, the less you’ll need to breathe deeply, but as a beginner, it helps to get in the right state of mind.
Focus on the breath: In meditation, there are different ‘anchors’ to keep you focused on the present, in this meditation we are going to use your breath.
Notice the sensations of your breath as you inhale and as you exhale
Notice where you can feel the breath, maybe in your nostrils or the rise and fall of your body.
Notice when your mind has wandered: Every beginner thinks that meditation is about clearing the mind, but meditation is about noticing when your mind has wandered and bringing it back to your anchor; your breath.
Gently return your awareness to your breath: Try not to get frustrated when your mind wanders, and don’t drag yourself back to the breath. Gently notice that the mind has wandered, you might even want to silently say to yourself, “I have noticed” and bring your awareness back to your breathing.
Smile: A simple mindfulness breathing meditation should be a pleasurable experience (this may not always be the case and that’s okay), and smiling releases hormones to make you feel happier.
When you smile, your brain produces neuropeptides, which are small molecules that aid in stress reduction. Additionally, other neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins are activated. Endorphins function as a gentle painkiller, while serotonin acts as an antidepressant. Associating your meditation with feeling good is the first step in creating a habit.Finish gently: When the timer goes off, don’t just get up and walk away. Notice how you feel, and do it without judgment. Try to recall if when your mind wandered, would repeatedly go to the same thought.
You did it! You did your first mindfulness meditation! No two meditations are ever the same, and of course, the more you do it the less your mind will wander. Before you know it you’ll be one of those people telling everyone how meditation changed your life.
Related: How To Meditate: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide
How Often You Should Meditate?
I had a close friend who started to meditate a little while back, but they said that they didn’t have time to meditate properly during the week, so they did all their meditation on the weekend.
There are countless studies that shorter regular meditations are more beneficial than longer sessions done occasionally. Research shows that even short amounts of meditation such as 10 minutes are enough to change your brain to focus better.
Personally, I meditate nearly every day for at least 10 minutes in the morning. Life does get in the way, and I probably miss about three to five days a month. But those regular ten minutes have compounded to make a world of difference in all areas of my life.
Why Should You Meditate?: The Benefits of Meditation
Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years, and the science and research community is now agreeing that we should continue to practice for a thousand more. Here are some of the benefits of meditation that research shows you can experience with regular meditation:
Reduced stress and anxiety
One of the most well-known benefits of meditation is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. There is a lot of research done on mindfulness meditation showing how it changes the brain to manage stress better.
By focusing your attention on the present moment using your breath and allowing your thoughts to come and go without judgment, you can calm your mind and relax your body.
Studies have shown that regular meditation can lower cortisol, the stress hormone, and reduce symptoms of anxiety disorders.
Improved mental clarity and focus
Meditation can also enhance your mental clarity and focus. By training your mind to stay present in the moment, you can have less stress and improve your ability to concentrate and make better decisions.
Meditation has been shown to increase activity in the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for attention and decision-making.
Better sleep
If you have trouble sleeping, meditation can help. Reducing stress and anxiety, can calm your mind and help you fall asleep more easily. In addition, studies have shown that regular meditation can improve the quality of your sleep and reduce the risk of insomnia.
Lower blood pressure and improved heart health
Meditation has been shown to lower blood pressure and improve heart health. Reducing stress and anxiety, it can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
In addition to reduced blood pressure, studies have shown that regular meditation and exercise can improve the functioning of the endothelium, the lining of the blood vessels, which can help improve blood flow and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Increased self-awareness and compassion
Meditation can also help you develop greater self-awareness and compassion. By observing your thoughts and emotions without judgment, you can become more aware of your patterns of thinking and behavior.
This self-awareness can help you make positive changes in your life and develop greater compassion for yourself and others.
Improved emotional well-being
Meditation can help improve your emotional well-being by promoting greater emotional regulation.
With regular practice, you can learn to observe your emotions without getting caught up in them, which can help you respond to challenging situations with greater ease and reduce the likelihood of reacting impulsively or inappropriately.
By cultivating greater emotional regulation, you may experience fewer negative emotions such as anger, frustration, and anxiety, and a greater sense of calm and inner peace.
Reduced symptoms of depression
Studies have shown that meditation can be effective in reducing symptoms of depression. By calming the mind and reducing negative thought patterns, it can help lift mood and improve overall mental health.
Increased resilience
Regular meditation practice can increase resilience, or the ability to bounce back from difficult situations.
By developing greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and compassion, you can cultivate inner strength and resilience in the face of challenges.
Improved immune system function
Meditation has been shown to have a positive impact on the immune and nervous system itself, improving the body’s ability to fight off illness and disease.
By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, meditation can help boost immune function and improve overall health.
Greater sense of well-being
Ultimately, the benefits culminate in a greater sense of well-being. By reducing stress, improving mental and physical health, and increasing resilience and compassion, and can help you feel more balanced, content, and at peace.
Types of Meditation Techniques
The practice we did earlier was a type of mindfulness meditation, but there are a few more – and this list isn’t exhaustive. Here are a few of the more popular types, so if anyone asks you, you’ll have a clue what they are talking about:
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation is one of the most popular types of practice. It involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment.
To practice mindfulness meditation, you can sit in a comfortable position (or even walk), close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Whenever your mind starts to wander, simply bring your attention back to your breath.
This type of meditation technique can help you develop greater self-awareness, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve your overall well-being. It’s the most popular category of guided meditation practice on YouTube.
Loving-Kindness Meditation Technique
Loving-kindness, also known as Metta, is a practice that involves generating feelings of love and kindness towards yourself and others.
To practice loving-kindness, you can sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and imagine someone you love. You then repeat a series of phrases, such as “May you be happy, may you be healthy, may you be safe.” This can help you develop greater compassion, reduce feelings of anger and resentment, and improve your relationships with others.
Transcendental Meditation
Transcendental meditation or as it’s called ‘TM’ is a bit of a siloed practice as it requires a registered TM meditation teacher to help you through the meditations. It is a type of meditation exercise that involves the use of a mantra.
To practice TM, you sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and repeat a specific mantra silently to yourself. It’s said to help you achieve a deep, meditative state of relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve your mental clarity.
Body Scan Meditation
Body scan meditation involves bringing awareness to the different parts of your body, it’s a type of visualization meditation, usually starting from the head and working your way down.
This practice can help you develop greater body awareness, reduce stress and tension, and improve your overall sense of well-being.
Yoga and other movement meditations
Yes, Yoga is actually a form of meditation, movement meditation to be exact. It combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation techniques.
Yoga is great as it can help you improve your flexibility, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote overall physical and mental health.
Mantra Meditation
Mantra meditation involves the repetition of a word, phrase, or sound to help focus the mind. To practice mantra meditation, you can sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and repeat your chosen mantra either silently or out loud.
This isn’t an exhaustive list. What’s important when you first start meditating is not to try too many different types of meditation practice at the start. Start with a simple sitting meditation, and get used to your mind wandering, bringing your attention back to the present and improving how long you stay focused.
How Do You Know If You Are Meditating Correctly?
My favorite quote that I heard to answer this was from Lama Yeshe who said,
“…you should see there’s more kindness, more compassion, and better relationships with others.”
Lama Yeshe
I’m going to sound a little (very) woo-woo here, but meditation is like love – you just know when you’re in it. But for those more empirical, here are some of the signs that apply both when you are and when you aren’t sitting to meditate.
You become less reactive to your emotions
You judge yourself less
You do it almost every day
Your thought lose their power to disrupt you during the meditation
Everything becomes a lot more interesting – mundane actions become as if it’s your first time doing it
What Is the Best Time to Meditate?
The best time to meditate is whenever it works best for you! Some people prefer to meditate in the morning – I do – to start their day off on a calm and centered note, while others find it helpful to meditate in the evening to wind down after a busy day.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to find a time that you can commit to consistently. If you’re not sure, try experimenting with different times of day to see what feels most comfortable and effective for you. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, so go with what feels right for you and your schedule.
Some Tips on Meditating and How to Make It a Habit
Start small: Start with a short session, like 5-10 minutes, and gradually increase the duration as you get comfortable with it.
Pick a time and stick to it: Choose a time of day that works best for you and try to make it a consistent part of your daily routine.
Find a quiet place: Find a peaceful and quiet place where you won’t be disturbed while meditating. This can be a room in your house, a park, or any place where you feel comfortable.
Set a goal: Set a specific goal for your meditation practice, such as reducing stress or improving focus, and remind yourself of it regularly.
Use guided meditations: Guided meditations can be a helpful tool for beginners, as they provide structure and guidance throughout the practice. There are tons on YouTube (here’s my channel) and I have a whole post on meditation apps you can use.
Be patient and compassionate: Don’t be too hard on yourself if you miss a day or struggle to focus during meditation. Remember that it’s a practice, and progress comes with time and consistency.
Join a meditation group: Joining a meditation group or class can provide motivation and accountability, as well as opportunities to learn from others.
Experiment with different techniques: There are many different types of meditation, such as mindfulness, loving-kindness, and TM. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you, but try to stick with one.
Make it enjoyable: Find ways to make your meditation practice enjoyable, such as using scented candles or playing calming music in the background.
Celebrate your progress: Celebrate small wins along the way, such as completing a week of consistent meditation, to stay motivated and encouraged in your practice.
The Takeaway
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and distracted, meditation can be a helpful tool to quiet your mind and find inner peace.
Meditation can seem daunting, but with practice, it becomes easier, and the benefits are endless. There of course are many different ways to meditate, and it’s important to find a practice that works for you. If you need help, don’t be shy to look for a meditation teacher.
Starting with mindful breathing is an excellent way to begin your meditation journey. Remember to smile and enjoy the experience, and don’t get frustrated when your mind wanders.
Meditation is a habit that should be practiced regularly, and even short amounts of daily meditation can change your brain to focus better. So take a breath, find a comfortable seat, and give meditation a try.
With regular practice, you’ll soon find yourself reaping the benefits and feeling more peaceful and centered.
If you’d like to find some good online learning resources for meditation, you can find them here.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be construed as professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms of any mental health condition, we strongly advise consulting with a qualified healthcare professional.
