Over the past year, wellness has come to the forefront across the globe.
And we don’t just mean the physical side of things – going for a jog or watching a YouTube workout is all well and good, but if you’re too stressed to step away from your desktop to do these things, you’re in trouble.
For years, friends and coworkers have gone on and on about the power of meditation, but it seems almost impossible to take 20 minutes out of our day.
If you’re anything like us, you’ll sit down and your mind instantly wanders: to what you’re cooking for dinner, to if you’ve put the washing out, to that argument with a coworker last Wednesday night.
But meditation doesn’t have to be difficult, and everyone can do it – and feel the benefits almost instantly.
So if you’re looking to get started, keep reading for our top tips.
Start small
Going from zero to 30 minutes of meditation is going to make even the most focussed person give up before they’ve even started. Taking three or five minutes out of your day is far more realistic, and you can build up the time you take out of your day as you find your inner zen. Apps like Mindfulness, Headspace or Calm are great for beginners, with guided meditations for shorter periods of time.
Make it a priority
If you never know what time you’re going to get back from work, it’s probably not a great idea to decide you’re going to set aside a few minutes at 6pm to focus on yourself. You need to work out when works for you – whether it’s the second you wake up, or half an hour before bed, or even at work on your lunch break. If you make it a priority, you’ll find yourself meditating day after day, and eventually you’ll form a habit (it only takes 21 days, after all).
Focus on your breath
One of the most important parts of meditation is learning how to focus on your breathing. Feel the breath in your belly as you breathe in, and how your body feels as you exhale. The ebb and flow of the movement gives you something to focus on that isn’t all those wandering thoughts, and there are plenty of great books to help you get started. The Power of Breathwork: Simple Practices to Promote Wellbeing by Jennifer Patterson has 25 exercises to try that will help, and Just Breathe: Mastering Breathwork for Success in Life, Love, Business, and Beyond by Dan Brulé is meant to show you how to harness breathwork in all aspects of your life.
What to do if your mind wanders
It’s inevitable that when you start out your mind will wander, and there’s no use getting wound up about it – you’ll end up spiralling, and then you’ll never be able to stop. Acknowledge the thought that has caused your mind to wander, pause, and try to leave it behind. Focus on your breath once again, and you’ll soon have forgotten all about whatever distracted you. Rinse and repeat if it keeps happening – you’ll get there eventually.
Meditation classes to try in the UAE
Illuminations Well Being Center
This centre is all about helping people with their personal and professional development, and there are plenty of happy customers, as there are now three branches around the UAE. There are in-person sessions like full moon meditation or healing a relationship, and you can also join in online.
Various locations including JLT in Dubai and Reem Island in Abu Dhabi, illuminations.ae.
SEVA Experience
The name might be new, but SEVA Experience, aka Life’n One Well Being, has been around since 2014 and helped thousands of people on their journey since then. There are tonnes of different meditation classes, like Tibetan singing bowls and chanting and gonging, and when you’re done, you can enjoy delicious plant-based food in the garden café.
Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, info@sevaexperience.com.com (058 543 5888).
Trident Wellness Centre
While most people head to this spot for the yoga classes, there are also daily guided meditation classes for those who need a little help getting started. If you’re getting serious about getting in your own head, you can also sign up to longer meditation courses, which explore different meditation methods and techniques. You’ll be feeling more zen in no time at all.
Trident Bayside, Dubai Marina (04 441 6287).
Vishnuyoga
Another studio for those looking for both yoga and meditation, Vishnuyoga is all about helping you find your inner peace. Alongside regular classes, there are also yoga retreats in Abu Dhabi for those who want to really focus on themselves.
Sky Tower, Reem Island, vishnuyoga.ae (056 487 8484).
