How to Meditate When You Don’t Have Time

Meditation is a powerful and free tool you can use to help keep you balanced in this busy world. Sometimes, especially during the holidays, “busy” is taken to a whole new level. Taking even little bits of time to quiet your mind can do a lot to help calm your nervous system and boost your immune system.

The easiest way to learn how to meditate is to focus on your breath. If you are alive, you are breathing. This is nothing new, just a little tweak on what you already do naturally. When you focus all your attention on your breath, it becomes easier to allow the parade of thoughts in your head to begin to quiet over time.

Your thoughts grow with attention. Shifting your focus elsewhere gives you a little space to relax for even just a moment. You do not need to sit down, be still, or in a quiet environment to meditation, although that can really help. But sometimes, that just isn’t an option.

Luckily, there are many other great options to consider when you cannot give yourself quiet and still downtime. Focusing on your breath doesn’t mean your other senses turn off. I invite you to acknowledge the noises, thoughts, objects, and lights around you. Focus on your breath while still being aware of your surroundings.

These daily activities can also become a place to help you turn your focus to your breath. If you can make these situations a trigger to remind you to focus only on your breath, you will begin breathing more slowly and deeply everyday. This shift allows your mind to being to calm and balance.

1. Dishwashing
2. Folding clothes
3. Showering
4. At a stop light when in a car
5. Getting the mail
6. Making meals
7. Walking to and from your car
8. Brushing your teeth
9. Washing your hands
10. Right when you get in bed to sleep

Setting reminders helps to build this new routine. Use phone reminders and sticky notes to help you build your focused breath into habit. Set them on your phone now. Building good habits require nourishment and flourish with the gift of your focus- simple thing you can give yourself right now.

Can you think of more places and times you can turn your focus to your breath for even a moment? Please share your ideas in the comments below!

Every little bit of meditation helps you build a calmer mind and life. Give yourself kudos for each time you are able to turn your focus to your breath even if it is just one breath.

The benefits are cumulative!

Remember, it doesn’t have to be time consuming or use an expensive cushion, all you need is your breath.

Resources- If you have a little time, these short guided meditations are a great way to build little pockets of meditation into your day. Learn more here.

As always, thank you for reading and sharing this post. If you know someone who can benefit, please pass this information along.

Leave a comment below and get a FREE chapter from my book, Nourishing Space Within: Essentials of Self-Care, below to stay updated!

Enjoy!

In Health,