Looking for a way to clear your mind to reduce stress and boost productivity? First, put to rest any preconceived or extreme ideas about what it means to meditate. Instead, set clear expectations that make meditation more doable. To get started, consider these six tips that can help make relaxing the mind part of your day:

  1. Relax—it’s not a competition. The whole point is to breathe without judging your thoughts. If meditation is completely new to you, cut yourself some slack. It takes practice; make your first goal just getting started.
  2. Stick to a schedule that works for you. Some days you may be able to meditate for a full 25 minutes; other days, maybe only five. The important thing is to find the time and space, and stick with it.
  3. Create a comforting space. Set up a special chair, a mat, or fluffy pillows to sit on. Consider enhancing the atmosphere with flowers, incense, or candles. Your own little meditation retreat in your home or office—even a small corner of a room—can promote a sense of peace and harmony to relax the mind.
  4. Be aware of your environment, but don’t let it be a deal breaker. Meditation is more about mindfulness, not your surroundings. Clearing your mind is easier in a room without distractions. Ideally, you’re only focusing on your breath, which means you’re able to meditate any time, wherever you are.
  5. Know the why. Make an effort to embrace the benefits of meditation: a more productive mind, reduced anxiety, more life balance, or living more fully. With a consistent focus, the benefits will build and the practice will come easier.
  6. Research your path. Meditation isn’t a “one size fits all” endeavor—and no one said it’s easy. That’s why it helps to learn as much as you can. Consider choosing an aspect about meditation that interests you: the science of breath, clearing the mind, increasing self-awareness, and so on.

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