Why the Holiday Season Is the Perfect Time to Start Meditating

Ready, set, meditate!

Are you surprised I’m suggested you start meditating during the wildly busy holiday season? Not only is meditation awesome, but it turns out that the very best time to start something new and challenging is when you’re at your absolute busiest. Why? Beginning a new habit during a busy season will make staying on track afterward feel so easy by comparison. That’s why I recommend you set a goal to begin meditating this holiday season.

The benefits of meditation are endless and though the process of getting started can be daunting, a little meditating goes a long way. That means if you go from never meditating to meditating a few times a week for even 30 seconds, I consider that a great success. Here are some of the biggest potential benefits of mediation:

• Improved sleep
• Stress management (a big one during the holidays!)
• Better digestion
• Improved relationships
• Better focus

Here are a few tips for how to get started, even when your brain is buzzing with holiday excitement and anxiety:

1. Set aside a time: Like other things that you want to do during a busy time like the holidays, you have to set a time to get it done. Without a time to actually do the exercise, it can be impossible. I like to recommend to start first thing in the morning.
2. Find a quiet place: This could be anywhere – in your car, in the bathroom, in your bed. Wherever is comfortable and allows you a few minutes of quiet thinking is ideal.
3. Pick your meditation method: Now, here’s where it can get confusing and somewhat difficult. You want to choose a meditation method that’s easy for you and one that is also salient for you. Ask yourself: Do you want your meditation to be visual or something you can listen to? Do you want to meditate in a quiet place or one in which there are other people? And finally, is it most comfortable to meditate on your own or amongst others? The answers to these questions can guide you as you choose a meditation method. I recommend exploring all options and trying out all different modes of meditation.
4. Practice daily: Once you’ve found your style of meditation, I recommend that you practice once daily – especially during busy holiday times.

Once you have your meditation schedule and style sorted, here’s a few more things for you to consider: 

1. Let go of your expectations: This is key because it’s probably not going to look like what you think it’s going to; in fact, it may be much more difficult than you imagined! Let the notion of what it should be, go.
2. Be kind to yourself: It’s ok if your brain is busy and you find it hard to stay on track. Let it go, allow your mind to wander and then get back on track; meditation actually works much better this way.
3. Try, try, try again: If you cant make it happen in the first few rounds, just try again — it will get easier and easier. Remember that practice makes perfect!

Want to know more about meditating? Check out these blog posts:

• Everything You Need to Know About Meditation
• Abdi Assadi Simplifies Meditation (Try It!)