Places to Meditate

 

Updated June 20, 2015. There are benefits to regular meditation, but setting aside a block of time to do it can sometimes be tough. One strategy that helps people maintain a daily practice, even on the most hectic days, is to do short bursts of meditation throughout the day. Here are some often-overlooked places to sneak in a couple of minutes of meditation. Ghislain & Marie David de Lossy/Cultura/Getty Images 1.  In a waiting room. The next time you're stuck in a waiting room, try using the time to practice diaghragmatic breathing, a simple technique for engaging the muscles involved in breathing. Here's a quick tutorial on how to do it. JLP/Jose Luis Pelaez/Fuse/Getty Images 2.  At your desk. The hardest part about establishing a regular meditation practice is taking the time to do it every day, even if it's just for a minute. Try setting up a daily reminder to take a one-minute meditation break. Here are tips to get started. Jupiterimages/Photolibrary/Getty Images 3.  In bed. For a better night's sleep, try these 5 mind/body practices. A mind/body exercise that works particularly well when lying in bed is progressive muscle relaxation. Some people find it helpful to take a few minutes every morning after waking up to meditate in bed. Jason Dewey/Stone/Getty Images 4.  While standing in line. Waiting in line can be a frustrating experience, but it doesn't have to be. With your eyes open and gazing at the ground or at a point in front of you, try focusing on your breath and practicing this simple mindfulness meditation exercise. Laurence Monneret/Taxi/Getty Images 5.  In the shower. The shower is a great place to practice mindfulness. Pay attention to the way the water feels on your body. Notice your hand movements as you wash yourself and your body movements as you wash and rinse.  Paul Bradbury/Caiaimage/Getty Images 6.  While commuting to work. Everyone around you may be on their devices, but the next time you're commuting to work, try sitting or standing quietly. Be in the present and observe your surroundings.  Marc Romanell/Blend Images/Getty Images 7.  While brushing your teeth. The next time you brush your teeth, try practicing mindfulness. Pay attention to the way the toothbrush feels on your teeth, how the toothpaste tastes, the water collecting in your mouth, and the movements you make to spit. You don't have to change anything about the way you brush your teeth, but be fully present as you do it. Peter Cade/The Image Bank/Getty Images 8.  In the bathroom Although the bathroom may seem like a strange place to meditate, once you close the door or the stall door, you're by yourself in a quiet place. Close your eyes, take a breath in, and exhale slowly. Image Source/Getty Images 9.  While washing your hands Like toothbrushing, washing your hands is a routine daily activity that can easily become a regular time to practice mindfulness. Try focusing on the way your hands feel as you are lathering them with soap and then rinsing them off with water. JGI/Jamie Grill/Blend Images/Getty Images 10.  While eating a meal. Resist the urge to rush through your next meal. Put your fork down after each bite. Chew slowly, tuning in to the taste and texture of your food. Try to notice the sensations of swallowing each bite. Take a moment after your first bite to see what it feels like with your mouth empty. Is there a tendency  to quickly get your next bite ready while you are still chewing your last piece of food? Cathy Wong 11.  Tips on Meditating on the Go - When meditating in a public place, most people prefer to keep their eyes slightly open to maintain awareness of their surroundings.   Disclaimer: The information contained on this site is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment by a licensed physician. It is not meant to cover all possible precautions, drug interactions, circumstances or adverse effects. You should seek prompt medical care for any health issues and consult your doctor before using alternative medicine or making a change to your regimen.   source – www.about.com