Overcoming Barriers to Meditation: Why, and How to Get Over Them

If you attempted to meditate, then you’ve no doubt found yourself struggling with thoughts of unfinished chores or an itch that demands attention to interrupt your meditation. And that’s if you even made it to starting a meditation practice!

Overcoming barriers to meditation can be a challenge, but fear not, I’ve got you covered.

In this article, I’ll explore practical solutions to common obstacles like time constraints, distractions, and physical discomfort that may be holding you back from experiencing inner peace.

A combination of persistence, creativity, and self-compassion is key to overcoming these barriers. So, grab your favorite cushion, take a deep breath, and let’s dive into the enlightening world of meditation mastery.

Understanding Common Barriers to Meditation

overcoming barriers to meditation - Women in yoga wear meditating

You probably already know why you struggle to meditate, but in every meditation and mindfulness practice, a key part is awareness. Here are the most common obstacles to meditation.

Time Constraints

One of the most common obstacles people face when trying to establish a meditation practice is finding enough time to meditate.

With busy schedules and seemingly endless to-do lists, it can be challenging to prioritize meditation in daily life.

Distractions and Environmental Challenges

Distractions, both internal and external, can make it difficult to maintain focus during meditation.

Environmental challenges, such as noise, clutter, family, and other interruptions, can disrupt a consistent practice.

Physical Discomfort and Chronic Pain

Physical discomforts, such as aches, pains, or restlessness, can disrupt your meditation practice.

And if you suffer from chronic pain may find it especially challenging to sit and meditate consistently.

Mental and Emotional Obstacles

A busy mind, negative emotions, chronic stress, depression or difficult feelings can create mental and emotional barriers to meditation.

Both new meditators and experienced meditators can struggle with these challenges, making it harder or impossible to maintain a regular meditation practice.

Lack of Motivation or Discipline

Staying motivated and disciplined in your meditation practice is important for long-term success. But, many people struggle with maintaining the motivation to practice meditation regularly.

Tiredness and Lack of Sleep

A frequent barrier you may face when trying to meditate is feeling overwhelmed, too tired or struggling with a lack of sleep.

When you’re already exhausted, it can be challenging to muster the energy and focus needed for meditation. That tiredness will usually lead to accidentally falling asleep at some point in your practice, causing frustration and disrupting your progress.

Strategies to Overcome Time Constraints

overcoming barriers to meditation - a silhouette of a sand timer

So we’ve identified the barriers, now let’s look at the way you can overcome these barriers and start meditating regularly.

Prioritizing Meditation in Your Daily Schedule

To overcome the barrier of time constraints, make meditation a non-negotiable part of your daily routine.

Treat it as an important appointment or commitment, just like work or exercise.

Creating a Consistent Routine

Establishing a consistent meditation practice is essential for overcoming time constraints.

Choose a specific time of day, such as first thing in the morning or before bed, to meditate. By doing so, you’ll make meditation a habit that naturally fits into your schedule.

Utilizing Shorter Meditation Sessions for Busy Days

On particularly busy days, chose to practice shorter meditation sessions instead of skipping them altogether.

Even just a few minutes (at least 5, but 10 is better) of focused mindfulness meditation can provide significant benefits and help you maintain consistency in your meditation practice.

Combining Meditation with Other Activities

Incorporate meditation into other activities, such as walking or waiting in line, to overcome time constraints.

This approach allows you to practice mindfulness even when you’re on the go. What’s important in these situations is that you’re aware and keeping your attention focused on the present.

Tackling Distractions and Environmental Challenges

overcoming barriers to meditation - a woman meditating in her meditation space

Designating a Dedicated Meditation Space

Create a dedicated meditation space in your home, free from distractions and clutter.

This space should be comfortable, calming, and conducive to meditation. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate, in my meditation space I simply have a couple of plants and a meditation cushion which is my daily reminder to practice.

Minimizing Noise and External Distractions

To minimize noise and other external distractions, consider using noise-canceling headphones or earplugs during meditation.

Alternatively, try playing soft music, brown noise, or nature sounds to create a more peaceful environment.

Using Technology Mindfully

Make use of technology to support your meditation practice.

Meditation apps, timers, and guided sessions can help you maintain focus and minimize distractions. They can also help you improve your meditation skills as you’re guided through the practice by a trained teacher.

Incorporating Elements that Promote Focus

Consider incorporating elements like candles, calming scents, or soothing visuals into your meditation space.

These additions can help meditation feel more like a treat and not a chore and create a serene atmosphere for your practice.

Addressing Physical Discomfort and Chronic Pain

overcoming barriers to meditation - the lower half of a man meditating in a grass field

Experimenting with Different Meditation Postures

Find a meditation posture that is both comfortable and supportive for your body.

Experiment with sitting, lying down, standing, or walking meditation until you find what works best for you.

Utilizing Props and Cushions for Support

Using props such as cushions, bolsters, or blankets can provide additional support and help alleviate physical discomfort during meditation.

Ensure that your chosen support aligns with your preferred meditation posture and promotes proper alignment of your spine and allows you to breathe easily.

Practicing Gentle Stretches or Yoga Before Meditating

Performing gentle stretches or yoga before meditating can help prepare your body and release any tension or stiffness.

This practice can make it easier to maintain a comfortable meditation posture and to stay awake and focused throughout your session.

Listening to Your Body and Adjusting as Needed

Pay close attention to your body’s signals during meditation.

If you experience discomfort or pain, first try to be mindful of the discomfort (don’t just react to it) and if the discomfort persists then gently adjust your position or take a break.

Remember, meditation should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience, not a source of pain or strain.

Boosting Motivation and Discipline

overcoming barriers to meditation - the lower half of a woman meditating by a lake

Setting Achievable Goals

Set realistic goals for your meditation practice, such as meditating for a specific amount of time each day or week. These goals should be achievable and adjustable as you progress in your practice.

Tracking Progress and Celebrating Milestones

Track your meditation progress by keeping a journal or using a meditation app. Celebrate your milestones and accomplishments, no matter how small, to boost motivation and reinforce your commitment to meditation.

Finding a Meditation Buddy or Joining a Group

Connecting with others who share your interest in meditation can help boost motivation and discipline. Consider finding a meditation buddy or joining a local meditation group to stay accountable and share experiences.

Exploring Various Meditation Techniques to Find the Best Fit

Experiment with different meditation techniques to find the one that resonates with you the most. By discovering a technique that genuinely appeals to you, you’re more likely to remain motivated and disciplined in your practice.

Strategies to Overcome Tiredness and Lack of Sleep

overcoming barriers to meditation - woman sleeping in bed

Adjusting Your Meditation Schedule

One solution to overcoming tiredness during meditation is to adjust your practice schedule.

If you find that you’re too exhausted to meditate at your usual time, try meditating at a different time of day when you have more energy.

For instance, if you typically practice before bed but often feel too tired, consider meditating in the morning or during a midday break. Personally, I practice first thing in the morning, that way I feel more settled and ready for the day.

Prioritizing Sleep and Rest

If you frequently fall asleep during meditation, the simple solution is to get more, or better sleep (maybe not always easy to do).

Globally, 62% of adults say they’re not getting enough sleep. Ensuring that you’re getting enough sleep is vital for your overall well-being and meditation practice.

Prioritize rest by establishing a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and optimizing your sleep environment.

When you’re well-rested, you’ll have more energy and focus for your meditation sessions.

Incorporating Energizing Techniques

If you’re feeling tired but still want to meditate, try incorporating energizing techniques into your practice.

For example, you could practice deep, mindful breathing to boost your energy levels or engage in a short, gentle movement practice like yoga or stretching before meditating.

These techniques can help wake up your body and mind, making it easier to stay alert and focused during meditation.

Debunking Misconceptions and Adjusting Expectations

Clarifying Common Meditation Myths

Educate yourself about common meditation myths to better understand the practice and set realistic expectations. For example, meditation is not about stopping all thoughts but rather learning to observe them without judgment.

Understanding the Nature of the Mind and Thoughts

Recognize that thoughts are a natural part of the meditation. If your mind wanders, know that it is part of the meditation process.

Instead of trying to eliminate them, learn to observe and accept them as they happen as they come and go, without getting attached or identifying with them.

Embracing Meditation as a Lifelong Journey

Meditation is a lifelong journey of self-discovery and personal growth. It’s essential to approach it with patience and persistence, knowing that progress may be slow and gradual, but will result in a whole heap of benefits.

Focusing on the Process Rather Than Perfection

Let go of the idea that meditation must be perfect. Instead, focus on the process and the present moment. Embrace the imperfections that arise in your practice and learn from them as you continue to grow and develop.

The Takeaway

Overcoming barriers to meditation is vital for achieving a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.

By addressing time constraints, distractions, physical discomfort, lack of motivation, and misconceptions, you can successfully conquer these obstacles and enjoy the transformative benefits of meditation.

Share your personal experiences and tips in the comments section below to inspire and support others on their journey to mastering the art of meditation.

FAQs

To overcome obstacles in meditation, identify and address common barriers such as time constraints, distractions, physical discomfort, lack of motivation, and misconceptions. Implement practical solutions like adjusting your schedule, creating a dedicated meditation space, and experimenting with different techniques to find what works best for you.

Common barriers to meditation include time constraints, distractions, physical discomfort, tiredness or lack of sleep, lack of motivation, and misconceptions about the practice. By addressing these barriers, you can improve your meditation experience and enjoy its benefits more fully.

To improve focus during meditation, try incorporating techniques such as deep breathing, body scans, or using a focal point like your breath or a mantra. Additionally, create a dedicated meditation space free of distractions and practice regularly to develop your concentration skills.

Absolutely! Meditation is accessible to everyone, regardless of flexibility or physical abilities. You can try alternative meditation postures such as sitting on a cushion or chair, lying down, or practicing standing or walking meditation. Use props like cushions or blankets for support and adjust your position as needed to ensure comfort.

While the ideal meditation duration varies for each individual, as little as 5-10 minutes a day can yield noticeable benefits. As you become more comfortable with meditation, you can gradually increase the duration of your practice to suit your needs and preferences. Consistency is more important than the length of each session.