I’ve been consistently meditating on a regular basis for the past three years now.
My longest streak to date is: 94 days straight.
I meditate because I need to from time to time. It’s been a part of my daily routine. Here are some insights and tactics I learned along the way.
When should you meditate?
I don’t have a fixed time, although I prefer to do it regularly before work right after breakfast. I can feel the difference on days when I haven’t meditated in the morning.
Next to the morning sessions, I let my body and mind decide when it’s the best time to meditate.
So it’s at all times of the day, even at the office.
How to meditate effectively?
I use the free Insight Timer app on my iPhone. I’ve gotten into mediation through HeadSpace and Calm, but I switched over to Insight Timer because of the extensive library of user-generated content. There are some straight-up diamonds in the roughs on Insight Timer.
Below is a shortlist of my favourite guided meditations on Insight Timer:
- Self-Compassion Break for Difficult Moments by Clayton Micallef (3min)
- Mindful Check-In by Sara Rabinovitch (6min)
- Melting Stress and Anxiety Away by Lisa Abramson (12 min)
- Deep Healing by Davidji (23min)
- Mindfulness For Releasing Anxiety by Glenn Harrold (24min)
Supporting gear
I use Airpod Max noise cancellation headphones for the sound. I sit cross-legged, wearing sweatpants and no shoes or socks. I sit on my couch with a large pillow on my lap. I put my hands open on the pillow. I start the mediation, and then there’s no more to it. Occasionally, I’ll also throw in some scented candles when I feel frisky.
Closing thoughts
For some, it’s hard to start, and I get it. I started because I was depressed and anxious. At that time, it felt like I had no choice. I had to do something. It released some of my pain, so I kept it around.
It’s not a silver bullet, nothing is, but once you stick to it, it will do something for you, trust me.