How to Become Mindful When You Hate Meditation

How to Become Mindful When You Hate Meditation

Meditation isn’t for everyone. If the thought of sitting quietly with your thoughts in a silent room makes you want to roll your eyes or run screaming in the opposite direction, it probably isn’t your thing.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t be mindful or attain your own version of Zen. There are alternatives to meditation that work just as well. Let’s take a closer look.

Alternative Meditation Sessions

Maybe your mind wanders, or you can’t sit still long enough to meditate. Regardless of why you don’t like meditation, there are tons of other meditation-like activities that work just as well. Breathing exercises, for example, are a great way to calm and relax the mind. Soft, calming music has the same result, as does cuddling with your pet.

Want to keep moving? Perhaps a nature walk is in order. Walking in nature can place the brain in a naturally meditative state. It also may boost creativity, relieve stress and increase feel-good hormones called endorphins.

Activities for Mindfulness

Many physical and creative activities, such as yoga and dancing, can help you become more mindful. These activities can improve your ability to focus. While necessary for mindfulness, intense focus is difficult to achieve in day-to-day life. Wandering thoughts, to-do lists, conversations and unwanted interruptions prevent us from focusing.

By regularly engaging in activities that require focus, you can train your brain to focus more, which can be a driving force of excellence and mindfulness.

Creating a Custom Routine

Which activities should you engage in? Choose one or more that capture your interest to create a custom routine. For example, you can listen to calming music when you get home from work to relieve stress. Or you may want to take a dance class. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to remain consistent in your routine.

You can be mindful even if you hate meditation. Choose a relaxing activity, like taking a drive or going on a nature hike, instead. Also, choose physical and creative activities that allow you to connect with yourself on a deeper level.

~Here’s to Your Success

Copyright 2019, ZenStir.com