Lately, it’s been getting colder in our house in the mornings. Though the days are still warm, I resist turning on the heat when I come down early. Instead, I’ve made my meditation practice into a cozy ritual.
I wear thick socks, cozy pants, and a hoodie, layering on oversized blanket hoodie. I wrap myself in yet another blanket and sit on my zafu and zabuton. In this warm cocoon an hour of meditation can pass by quickly, leaving me feeling its benefits throughout the day.
But this isn’t the only way to bring mindfulness into your routine. Research shows that shorter, frequent practice sessions throughout the day can be just as effective — or even more so — than a single long meditation or yoga practice in the morning.
And here’s the best part: these practices don’t need to be complicated. Simple, slow breathing practices have been shown to be effective for reducing stress and improving mental health. Studies suggest that basic breathwork and mindfulness can reduce anxiety, improve attention, and boost emotional resilience.
If you can’t carve out an hour, try shorter pauses throughout the day. Your moment of calm could be as simple as this breathing exercise:
- Take a deep breath in
- Sip a little more air
- Let it out with a sigh
Or you could try something a little longer, like this 3-minute meditation. The important thing is consistency. These small, simple moments accumulate to create lasting peace.
How do you invite short moments of mindfulness into your day?
Comments