Practicing mindfulness meditation is a great hobby for people looking to practice new coping skills, relaxation methods and breathing techniques.
What is Mindfulness Meditation?
Mindfulness meditation is a practice that involves focusing on the present moment and letting go of distracting thoughts and emotions.
Mindfulness meditation can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age, culture, or background. It is a simple, yet powerful practice that can be easily incorporated into anyone’s daily routine.
This powerful practice has become a popular hobby and coping skill for people around the world, due in part to the wide array of benefits.
Some of the many mindfulness meditation benefits include:
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Improving focus and concentration
- Increasing feelings of well-being and happiness
- Improving sleep quality
- Promoting physical health by reducing blood pressure and improving immune function
Let’s explore how to get started with a hobby of mindfulness meditation and provide tips for making it a sustainable part of your daily routine.
Getting Started with Mindfulness
The first step in starting a mindfulness meditation practice is to find a quiet, comfortable space where you can sit or lie down without any distraction.
This could be a dedicated meditation room or simply a quiet corner of your bedroom. It’s important to eliminate as many distractions as possible so you can fully focus on your practice and breathing.
Once you’ve found a suitable space, start by closing your eyes and focusing on your breath.
Notice the sensation of the breath as it moves in and out of your body. If your mind wanders, gently bring your focus back to your breath.
It’s natural for thoughts and distractions to come up during meditation, and this is actually part of the practice.
Rather than getting frustrated or discouraged, simply acknowledge these thoughts and then let them go, returning your focus to your breath.
Adding a Mantra or Visualization
For some people, adding a mantra or visualization to their meditation can be helpful in keeping their mind focused and calming their thoughts.
A mantra is a word or phrase that you repeat to yourself, while a visualization involves creating a mental image in your mind.
When choosing a mantra or visualization, it’s important to pick something that resonates with you and feels meaningful. Some common mantras used in meditation include “peace,” “love,” or “Om.”
Visualizations can be anything from a peaceful beach scene to a glowing light. A beautiful memory or a warm and safe imaginary place.
Using a mantra or visualization can help to further calm your mind and keep you focused during meditation. You can try using one or the other, or combine them in your practice.
Mindfulness Books and Mobile App Recommendations
If you’re new to mindfulness meditation, it can be helpful to have some guidance as you get started. There are many books available that can provide more information on the practice and offer tips for incorporating it into your daily routine.
Some popular books on mindfulness meditation include:
- “The Miracle of Mindfulness” by Thich Nhat Hanh
- “Wherever You Go, There You Are” by Jon Kabat-Zinn
- “The Mindful Way through Depression” by Mark Williams
- “10 Percent Happier” by Dan Harris
- “Mindfulness in Plain English” by Bhante Henepola Gunaratana
There are also numerous mobile apps that can help you with your meditation practice. These apps often offer guided meditations and other resources to help you get started and stay consistent with your practice.
Some popular meditation mobile apps include:
- Headspace
- Calm
- Insight Timer
Check out our article of free meditation apps if you are looking for a few more budget friendly options.
Start Small and Gradually Increase Over Time
It’s important to start small when it comes to mindfulness meditation, especially if you’re new to the practice.
Try starting with just a few minutes of meditation per day and gradually increasing the length of your sessions as you get more comfortable.
It’s also helpful to establish a regular time for your meditation practice.
This could be first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or before bed. Choose a time that works best for you and make it a consistent part of your routine.
Conclusion
Mindfulness meditation can be a great hobby for anyone looking to reduce stress, improve focus, and increase feelings of well-being.
While it may be challenging at first, with practice, it can become a relaxing and enjoyable part of your daily routine.
By starting small, using a mantra or visualization, and incorporating resources like books and mobile apps, you can make mindfulness meditation a sustainable hobby.
Give it a try and see how it can benefit you!
