Ever since I started meditating regularly for the past month or so, I’ve noticed a huge change in my everyday life and my mental health. If you’ve ever thought about meditating but just never got around to doing it, look no further. Here are some of the ways it has helped me since beginning this journey and some tips I have on starting.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, sticking to a daily routine had been one of the most difficult things. My days were all over the place before I started meditating consistently. Now, I set my alarm for the same time every day to practice meditation. Then, I structure my day around it, giving me a sense of routine and organization.

I also tend to quickly become overly stressed when I get to work. And as an inherently impatient person, this usually results in me going into overdrive and burning myself out. Instead, midday meditation breaks have helped me pause between my work, slow down and refocus on the tasks at hand. Most types of meditation are focused around breathing and breathing techniques that can help you center yourself.

Meditation has also helped me combat my news anxiety. Now more than ever before, I’m constantly checking the news and feeling overwhelmed by the headlines, crises and stories I’m exposed to. When I start to feel this way, I immediately step away from my devices or magazines and resort to meditating. Oftentimes, even while doing other activities such as working out, cooking or indulging in hobbies, we still can’t shake our anxious thoughts. But through meditation, I’ve been able to find a safe place for me to completely clear my mind.

Everyone copes with their mental health and stress differently. It’s all about finding what works for you. If you’re looking to try something new and wondering if meditation might be something that benefits you, guided meditation is a great place to start. You can find an abundance of options on YouTube, meditation apps and even Spotify! I personally started with guided meditation that allowed me to learn the methodology of the practice.

Whether you listen to guided meditation or perfect your own technique, meditation is definitely worth a try!