How to meditate in 5 minutes or less
We can try to stay mindful, aware and conscious in overwhelming moments. If the day is a bit too much, practice a five minute meditation. It's also a good way to start meditating and develop a routine. A small amount of time feels more easily achievable.
You might have a busy day and need to slow your mind and body. You might feel reluctant to meditate for any reasons. Even five minutes of mindful stillness can contribute to transformation.
I'm not an expert in meditation. I'm not even very diligent or consistent in my meditative practice. That's why I felt inspired by a very short sound bath as the background for mindfulness practice. It was on Insight Timer, a very mindful app. This "flute & bowls short sound bath" went for just two minutes. Not five. Just two. It was just enough time for me to stop and clear my thoughts. If I could handle only a couple of minutes, surely I (or anyone else) could try five.
How many meditations could I find online at a glance, at 5 minutes or less? I linked to meditation resources from Youtube in the past. But here are some of the shortest videos from my favourite channels. There's one from Goodful and they have another specifically for anxiety. ABC Science has their own version too. Deepak Chopra offers a three minute meditation. If you need some clarity in a hurry, try this one-minute mini meditation from Headspace. That's a good few to choose from.
See? You don't need lots of time or even patience to start meditating in the day. Sure, further experiences may progress if you continue for longer. But a few minutes is a pretty good start. You don't even have to know what to do before starting the session. Multiple trusted sources can guide you through a simple short mindful meditative practice.
What benefits might you experience from meditating? It can reduce stress which, "can contribute to headaches, anxiety, depression, heart disease, and even premature death." as reported by a publication from the Harvard Medical School. The article also mentions how a stress-related hormone influences the brain and immune system. Who wouldn't want to prevent all those health issues?
Overcome any doubts and obstacles. Allow a small amount of time and space for yourself because you need it.
Give yourself a few minutes break from work and life to meditate for mindfulness and wholistic wellness. Image: iStock/Getty, edited.
See more articles about wellness:
