Are You Busy?  Then Meditate!

One of the strategies I’ve learned to be more balanced in my life is to meditate. I used to be pretty skeptical about meditation, until I actually tried it. I meditate for 15 minutes every evening using a variety of apps or self directed practice. My favorite recently is the Calm app. I’ve become consistent at meditation and have learned to really enjoy it.  Some of the benefits I’ve enjoyed from meditation are:

1. It helps me think clearer throughout the day
2. It helps me focus
3. It helps me sleep better
4. It is relaxing
5. It helps relieve stress
6. I find I am more productive when I meditate

When I talk with people who meditate, I hear nothing but positive feedback.  One of my friends recently told me “In the last couple of years I’ve become seriously involved with meditation and I’ve found that kind of non-caffeinated mindfulness may actually be the key which opens a variety of doors business and otherwise.”  Powerful stuff.

I’m Too Busy to Meditate! 

When I talk to busy professionals about meditation, they usually tell me they are too busy to meditate.  I believe you can’t afford NOT to meditate.  Meditation doesn’t need to be complicated.  Following is a great way to try meditation if you’re a busy professional.

Simple 5 Minute Meditation for Busy People

Here is a simple technique to meditate for 5 minutes every day:

1. Find a quiet place.  It can be in your car.
2. Sit up straight and get comfortable.
3. Close your eyes and your mouth.
4. Focus on your breath.  Breathe in and out slowly.
5. Picture your breath entering your nose and filling your belly.
6. Then picture your breath as you exhale leaving your body.  The air should leave your belly.
7. Listen to the sound your breath makes as it enters and leaves your nose.
8. Focus on your breath.
9. You will hear distractions. Just let them be.
10. You will have thoughts. Imagine the thoughts clinging to clouds in your brain and just passing through.
11. If you find yourself thinking, just go back to focusing on the sound of your breath.

That’s it!  I suggest setting your watch or phone timer for 5 minutes.  EVERYONE can do this!

Try this for 30 days and let me know how you feel!

Was this helpful? If so, I’d really appreciate it if you leave a comment below or share on Facebook or your favorite Social Media!  

Michael Hurd, Executive Coach