Sometimes, it feels as though there’s not enough time in the day to accomplish everything on your task list. Between daily commutes, full-time work weeks, chores, and socializing, it may seem impossible to add self-care to all of it.

Yes, adding another item to your daily routine can seem daunting, but prioritizing self-care can make a big difference in managing everything else on your plate. Meditation can be the necessary pursuit you take for yourself that will benefit other areas of your life. For example, it can aid in reducing anxiety and depression in addition to helping regulate stress levels and anger, which can be attributed to heart attacks or high blood pressure later in life.

Still not convinced? Consider these additional perks of a meditation routine: heightened focus and alertness, improved memory, and more restful sleep. These are all potential game-changers for your productivity and overall well-being.

Sound appealing enough? In celebration of World Meditation Day, we’ve listed steps you can take to develop this new habit:

• Find a place where you will not be disturbed and where you can be still.

• Sit in the most comfortable position for yourself while holding your body, head, and neck still, without looking around, to ensure a smooth flow of breath from the sensory nerve branches through the spine.

• Beginners should start with a short period, such as 5 to 10 minutes, comfortably adding more time as you see fit.

• Try to set a time every day to meditate, even if it is only 5 minutes.  Make it a scheduled routine.

• Focus on your breath- pay attention to your inhale and exhale.

• For beginners, count 5 seconds while breathing in, hold your breath for 5 seconds, then slowly breathe out for 5 seconds. The counting makes it easier to stay focused.

• Show yourself patience and kindness, and remember that if your mind wanders, it’s okay. Don’t be discouraged; just bring your mind back to your breath—it will get easier.

Meditation looks different for everyone. The goal is to center yourself, draw attention to your breath, and be mindful of the moment. If you’re looking for more guidance in your wellness journey, contact us today or visit our website to learn more about what we offer.