What if I told you that with a simple practice of just 5 minutes a day, you could reduce anxiety and/or depression, increase focus, reduce memory loss, lower blood pressure, improve sleep, and increase happiness?

Would you find 5 minutes a day for all of those benefits?

Well – a daily meditation practice can do just that!

So many of us are feeling the effects of stress nowadays. And chronic stress can truly take a toll on our sense of wellbeing and enjoyment in life.

There is quite a lot of scientific research to support that people practicing meditation experience reduced symptoms of both anxiety and depression, amidst many other health benefits.

(note: if you are currently dealing with extreme trauma or PTSD, it’s best to try this with the guidance of a trusted therapist or to explore EMDR – a therapeutic modality developed especially for coping with trauma).

Now, I am not always perfect with my meditation practice. In fact, I “fell off the wagon” with it in the past month and a half and now I am gratefully returning back to it.

In fact, the time away from my meditation practice only proved to me just how important it is to my emotional wellbeing!

So why do I say just 5 minutes a day? Because that is a wonderful and accessible place to start.

Back in 2010, when I did my first yoga teacher training, my wonderful teacher Sarah taught us to start this way. She told us to start with just 5 minutes (because everyone can find 5 minutes!) and then gradually increase by one minute more when you feel ready.

And even if you only ever do 5 minutes?

Then those will be 5 minutes that were well-spent.

So…how does one start meditating?

Well, I’m glad you asked!

I made a short video here, all about a very easy place to start.

There are many different types of meditation, but the one that I teach in this video is called a mantra meditation. It’s a very simple and accessible meditation that I love. It focuses around a mantra – which is just simply a word or phrase that you silently repeat as you meditate.

If you don’t already have a meditation practice or if you used to and are looking to jump back in – I think this is a great place to start!

I hope that this practice brings you joy and a sense of inner peace.