Meditation is often touted as a powerful tool for relaxation and stress relief, but for many of us, finding the time and motivation to sit down and do it regularly can be challenging.

As a busy student juggling school, work, and extracurriculars, I had always been intrigued by the idea of meditating, but had never actually tried it before.

So, in the midst of a busy semester, I decided to challenge myself to meditate for just 10 minutes a day for a week and see what impact it had on my life.

Here is what happened

My first session began by just sitting on the floor, cross-legged. I had a read couple of articles about meditation; most said to focus on your breathing and nothing else. I struggled to do exactly that.

My mind kept wandering to my never-ending to-do list and the stresses of the day ahead. Silence was definitely not the answer.

Furthermore, I researched how I could optimize my time. I came across a lot of tips such as to meditate in a dark room; or investing in noise-cancelling headphones. Among these tips, following a guided meditation tutorial stood out the most.

10-minutes a day keeps the stress at bay

A 10-minute guided meditation–where you follow simple instructions is a beginner friendly way to get into meditation. I gave it a shot and surprisingly it was so much easier to concentrate.

I pressed play and focused on the narrator’s voice for the next ten minutes. As the session came to a close, I felt a sense of calm wash over me, and I was eager to see if this feeling would stick.

Over the week, I found that carving out just ten minutes each day for myself became a sort of oasis in my otherwise hectic schedule.

I experimented with different types of meditations, from focusing on my breath to visualizing positive outcomes for my day, and found that each had unique benefits. Sometimes I struggled to quiet my mind, but even on those days, I felt more aware of my thoughts and better equipped to handle the stresses of the day ahead.

Final thoughts

One of the most surprising things I noticed during my week of meditation was how much it impacted my sleep. I have always been a restless sleeper, but after just a few days of meditating, I found myself falling asleep more quickly and woke up feeling more rested than I had in a long time. This was a game-changer for me, as I had always struggled with getting enough quality sleep to keep up with my busy schedule.

As the week drew to a close, I found myself looking forward to my daily meditation sessions. I realized that while 10 minutes may not seem like much, it made a significant difference in my day. I felt more focused, calm, and in control of my thoughts and emotions.

If you’re considering giving meditation a try, my only advice would be to start small and be patient with yourself. Getting into the practice may take some time, but the benefits are well worth it.

If you think you may need a hand in getting started, start by trying headspace today!

You might just discover a new way to find peace and balance in your busy life.

Looking for ways to practice mindfulness? Here are some easy ways you can start today.

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