Top 10 Meditation Tips for Beginners
Top 10 Meditation Tips for Beginners
For just over 2 years now I have been practicing a daily meditation
This is something that I considered many, and I mean MANY, years ago but always had a crazy busy mind that just refused to be still. I wish that someone had handed me a list of top 10 meditation tips for beginners back then! But then something clicked in me. I started down this path of self-discovery and self-development which led me very organically to meditation. After practicing meditation for over 2 year I do not consider myself an expert on the subject however I do believe wholeheartedly in the benefits. It has become so important to me that I feel cheated if I go a day without it. The sense of calm and clarity that I get from meditation cannot be achieved through any other methods that I have tried.
Being a Mum, my methods would include holding my breath and counting to 10!
Disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
If you’ve never tried meditation before I can 100% guarantee you are in the “that’s kinda woo woo” corner, and I totally understand! I’ve been there.
But, it’s only because we have been convinced by this crazy world we live in that it’s all go, go, go and stopping is for losers. Sound about right? Well, when you get to that point where you realize that stopping is essential, and you’ve had your brakes off for so long you just don’t know how anymore, it’s time to try it out.
Mastering it is not easy, but trying it is. Start, just start. Just sit, close your eyes for 10 minutes and listen to the sound of the birds outside your window or the waves crashing. Even the sound of the fridge running or the pump in the fish tank can do the trick. Breathe. That’s all. For now. Just enjoy the complete surrender of giving yourself a break. Eventually you will start to feel like you are connecting with yourself on a whole new level that you never have before, but for now all you need to do is take that precious moment and breathe.
Life is busy and can be unkind so this is your moment to be kind to yourself
Forget the ‘Woo woo’, this is personal and let’s be honest we’re all a little Woo Woo when nobody’s looking anyway! Just try not to take it seriously. Relax and enjoy the process. We are all looking for something different from the experience. Some of us have forgotten who we truly are and need to reconnect. Others suffer from anxiety and need to find a safe space where they can let go of some of the stresses of daily life. There are many benefits of meditation ranging from stress management, to more tolerance, to increased happiness and productivity. No matter what you are looking for from the experience, all the benefits are uplifting and rewarding for the body, mind and soul.
Top 10 Meditation Tips for Beginners
Start Small and Build on It
Start with a manageable 10-15min meditation. It is not easy to slow the mind in the beginning so don’t overdo it. When you find you can get through a short meditation without having to bring yourself back too often, then you are ready to progress to a longer routine. Don’t feel this needs to be a goal, it is all about what works best for you. The idea here is not to scare yourself away before giving it a chance. Be patient.
Focus on the Breath
Don’t let this become something you worry about. Just feel the rise and fall of your body as you breathe naturally. When your mind wanders, remind yourself to focus on the breath. It is merely a tool to help you remain mindful in the moment instead of letting your mind wander off. Again, be patient, it takes practice.
No Expectations ie. Don’t put Pressure on the Outcome!
Meditation is a practice so don’t be disappointed if you are not able to stay centered throughout the practice. Also, understand that you will not be a changed person overnight. It takes time. Try to detach from the outcome and expectation until you have gained an understanding of how the meditation experience works for you. Keep up the practice for the best results!
Make it a Routine
It is important to keep it up. This means developing a routine around your meditation. I am a Mum so the best time for me is just before bed. If mornings are better for you, go with that, but make up your mind that you will set aside time for your practice. Having a set time is also great when you have a family because, once everyone knows this is your meditation time, you have established a boundary going forward.
Absolutely no Distractions
This is a deal breaker. Absolutely no distractions allowed. Once you’ve set your boundaries with your family and claimed your time, this is a ‘do not disturb’ zone. You don’t want to be distracted while meditating, being ripped away from your peace is not a good feeling and definitely leaves you with the wrong outcome!
Set the Scene
Once you have put up your ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign make sure the environment is welcoming. This could include having a warm blanket or gown, burning essential oils or candles, or playing relaxing music. I have put together some of my favourite products to help you on your journey – See Products Here.
You can Lie Down if you Want To
I tend to mix it up a bit which is totally fine. You can sit or lie down, whichever you find more comfortable and relaxing. I think a lot of us think meditation comes with very strict rules when in fact there are way more choices to suit your needs. I believe lying down can be very effective and don’t want you to choose to stay away from meditation because you don’t like the idea of sitting.
Choose a Meditation that Works for You
To add to the above. There are many types of meditation. Try a few out and choose the one that works for you. You can go for relaxing music, a guided meditation or an affirmation meditation (just to name a few). It’s all about what resonates with you. I enjoy both guided and meditating to some relaxing music.
Don’t Fret about those Pesky Thoughts
One of the biggest hurdles for a beginner is the worry about not being able to ‘stop’ their thoughts. You don’t have to! In a list of meditation tips for beginners this is a big one! You merely allow them in and don’t hold on to them. Rather, let them go and return to your breath. Don’t be too hard on yourself, again, this takes practice. This is another area where I think people give up on meditation because they think they’re ‘getting it wrong’. You’re not getting it wrong, you just have to give your mind the time to settle into the silence.
Finish off in Gratitude
Acknowledge yourself for your conscious effort to do the inner work. Each small step is victory! Our minds are busier than any city street on earth and taking the time to allow it some peace is self-care at its best, so thank yourself for that!
‘Prayer is when you talk to God; Meditation is when you listen to God.’ – Diana Robinson.
If you are looking for more tips for meditation for beginners, here are some resource I recommend: Gaia and Mindvalley. Both are wonderful platforms for meditation as well as personal development. It offers various teachings including meditations, yoga and personal development and is really worth checking out. Another one is Insight Timer. It is a free app with 1000’s of meditations available plus the option of joining to have access to courses. So much value! Check it out, you won’t be disappointed!
Also, check out my recommended products, all chosen with the journey of self-growth in mind. See products here.
Steph x
My blogs are all written with love and available to be read for free. I am so grateful for any support from my readers. If you enjoy my blogs a great way to keep them coming is to:
Looking for more inspiration, try reading my blog An Attitude of Gratitude Can Change Your Life
these are great tips thank you!
You are welcome!
Great tips for beginners! I love holding the breath and counting to 10 method. It’s a great way to start.
I haven’t tried this one before, I will have to give it a go! Thanks for your comment!
super important make meditation sometimes ido just because the quarentine is making crazy
I like the tip about those pesky thoughts that creep in. That’s really great advice. I think we worry too much about holding them in, and it makes sense that we should just let them “pass through” and let them be on their way!
These are great tips for anyone starting meditation! We have started doing this as a family since few months and it is a work in progress. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for your comment, Nishtha. I LOVE that you do this as a family, that’s amazing!
I have tried to start a mediation routine so many times, but nothing seems to click. These are great tips & I’ll definitely try them out.
xo. Josephine
I’m so glad you found them useful! Definitely try again, you won’t regret it.
Medidation has always been tough for me. Hope these tips would help me
This is such a great post. As a traveller with an anxious mind, I’m constantly fumbling over my thoughts. I’ve only ever managed written meditations before but I’d love to try a more traditional one. How long do you recommend meditating for at the beginning?
I would recommend you start small, 10-15min. Maybe try a guided meditation (see reference link at the bottom of the blog). Most important is to relax and enjoy ?
I find that as a beginner i am more comfortable with guided meditations as i don’t have to focus too hard and get annoyed when losing concentration, but i am getting there, lol
Thanks for sharing
I agree, guided is a really great place to start. ?
Number one thing I love about your article – is letting people know it’s okay to lay down if they desire! This is exactly where I got stuck. I found it so hard as a beginner to visualize while sitting – I just couldn’t relax fully. Finishing with gratitude – so beautiful. I love that!
Thank you for your comment, Rebecca. People often go into meditation with an expectation that has the opposite effect from what they are after, so the first point is to relax! ?
so much yes!!! the distractions part is the hardest for me and I appreciate you surfacing us how to get through that.
It takes practice but I think the most important thing is to be patient with ourselves and keep going ?
Meditation is really a parenthesis with enormous potential and energy, who does not meditate does not understand what is lost!
Beautifully said, thanks Cristina! I would love to get more people to try meditation.
I’ve tried meditating a few times but I’m just too easily distracted. I find what works best for me is to tire myself out and then meditate, or more like passing out while trying to meditate. Thanks for validating this by explaining that I don’t have to stop my thoughts in order to meditate! I’ll keep trying
These are amazing tips! I’ve been considering trying meditation, but I’m not sure I’d be able to do it. I think I’ll apply your tips and finally start!
My advice would be not to put to much thought into it right at the start, just give it a go!
Wonderful tips! I feel like I need a “back to basics” guide for meditation from time to time, and this gives me just that. Thank you!
Really some good tips for meditation. I have been practicing meditation for lot of years now and it keeps my mind relaxed and fresh.
Meditation has been so good for me and managing my anxiety long term! Lately I have been loving guided meditation that include a bit of silent reflection. It’s great to do some soul searching!
I agree, it is a beautiful, healing process ?
Good read and great tips as always! 🙂
I definitely needed these tips! I’ve never been great at meditating because I always let myself get distracted. Thanks for sharing these.
It’s my pleasure, Kait! I’m so glad you found them useful!
These are all great tips I need to do more meditation these days!