Meditation is widely recommended as a health-boosting practiceand for good reason.

Setting aside five to 10 minutes daily is a great place to start.

Here are five meditation techniques that are great for beginners (and experienced meditators, too!

Beautiful young Asian woman meditating in the nature with her eyes closed, setting herself free and feeling relieved. Enjoying fresh air and breathing in the calmness with head up. Freedom in nature. Connecting with nature. Health and wellness concept

d3sign / Getty Images

):

Consider trying a fewtypes of meditationto decide which one is right for you.

In reality, your mind is always thinking.

The key is to acknowledge this compassionately while bringing the focus back to the breath whenever possible.

The goal of meditation is to compassionately acknowledge your thoughts while gently guiding your mind back to your breath.

Note that there can be overlap with these techniquesmeditation can be both concentrative and non-concentrative.

5 Meditation Techniques you’re free to Try

There are manydifferent ways to meditate.

Again, this quiets the mind and allows your brain to shift.

Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulnesscan be a form of meditation that, like activity-oriented meditation, doesnt reallylooklike meditation.

Mindfulness involves staying in the present moment rather than thinking about the future or the past.

While the concept is simple, it can be more difficult than it sounds.

Focusing on sensations you feel in your body is one way to stay “in the now.”

Spiritual Meditation

Though meditation isn’t specific to any one religion, it can bea spiritual practice.

Many people also practicekundalini meditationfor mind and body connection.

Click below to listen now.

For example,mindfulness meditationhas been shown to be useful for anxiety disorders and depression.

Set Aside a Time

Choose when you want to meditate each day.

Find a Space

Choose a relaxing space where you’re free of distractions.

Your bedroom is a great option, but you’ve got the option to truly meditate anywhere.

That includes in your living room or office.

Focus on Your Breath

Close your eyes and focus on your breath.

Breathe comfortably, and notice how you feel as you inhale and exhale.

If your mind wanders, gently guide it back to focus on your breathing.

2022;11(8):1116. doi:10.3390/biology11081116

Sharma H.Meditation: Process and effects.Ayu.

2019;33(4):371-376. doi:10.1016/j.apnu.2019.04.007.

2019;98(19):e15574.

2014;9(7):e100903.

2018;13(11):e0205740.