How Can I Incorporate Meditation Into My Daily Life?

Meditation (link to meditation 101 blog) is the practice of using a technique (whether focusing on one thing or merely practicing mindfulness) to train your attention and awareness. The goal of meditation is to achieve a clear, stable, and emotionally calm state of mind.

While one of the toughest obstacles for beginner meditators is mastering “monkey mind,” another significant obstacle is finding the time. In this modern age, our lives are busy, busy, busy; yet the busier we are, the more meditation has to offer us.

So, how can you carve out time to meditate in your daily life? It might not always look like a dedicated hour of quietude every morning, but meditating regularly is doable. The busier you are, the more creative you’ll have to get. 

No matter what, you’ll never regret taking the time to focus on mindfulness and channel your inner peace. With that in mind, let’s explore five ways you can incorporate meditation into your everyday life.

Meditate during routine tasks.

The idea of designating an hour of your daily schedule, even if it’s only once or twice a week, to meditation can be daunting. When you’ve got to get to work, pick up the kids, and cook multiple meals every day, there’s simply no time for meditation. 

That’s why you should incorporate it into your daily life while doing the things you have to do anyway. Moments of stillness like brushing your teeth, doing your makeup, or cooking dinner are perfect times to practice mindfulness.

Meditate on the go.

Speaking of meditating during the routine tasks of your daily life… What about that hour-long commute? Now, we’re not suggesting closing your eyes and chanting om during rush-hour traffic. But with the help of a soothing playlist or (hands-free) meditation app, you can train yourself to transmute the frustration and boredom of driving to work into peace, focus, and gratitude. 

Just like you acknowledge and accept your monkey mind thoughts during traditional meditation, acknowledge and accept the impatience or stress you feel in traffic. With practice, you may even find yourself better able to cope with driving anxiety.

Turn outdoor time into meditation time.

We can all agree there’s nothing quite as soothing as nature. It only makes sense to double your outdoor time as meditation time. Do you like to hike? Camp? Take the dog for a walk around the block? The slow speed of nature and the powerful appreciation you feel for your surroundings while out in nature will boost your presence and mindfulness.

Find mindfulness in the little things.

The little things in life are really the big things. Too often, we fail to fully enjoy the little things in life like that delicious ice cream cone or that beautiful sunset. The last things on your mind during these fleeting moments is meditation, but slowing down to note what you love about those moments--taking note of all five senses--can expand the moment into a memory.

Incorporate meditation into your yoga practice.

We would be remiss not to include yoga on a list of ways to incorporate meditation into your daily life. Yoga is all about getting in tune with your mind and body. That means, if you regularly practice yoga, it is the perfect time to practice the mindfulness habits of meditation.