I was waking up too many mornings feeling lethargic and anxious, so after listening to a million wellness podcasts, I decided that it was time to try meditation again. I say again because I tried it a few years ago. I used Headspace, a meditation app, but the mistake I made was that I would do it first thing in the morning, as in before I even brushed my teeth. I would stay in my bed, which more often than not meant that I was falling asleep mid meditation. So, in order to actually feel like I was getting something out of my meditation practice, I knew I needed to change up a few things. I created a little meditation corner in my living room, and it's how I was able to truly commit to my practice.
What's in my corner, you ask? A little floor pillow, so I can sit comfortably but not in my bed, is a must. I also change my clothes because not being in pajamas shifts my mindset. I love aromatherapy, and that's been integral in keeping me calm and focused. Plus, I've gotten a couple of books that help keep me encouraged. Meditation is a practice I'm really committing to, and I can already feel more centered and calm when I wake up, because I have my 20 minutes to look forward to. If you're trying to meditate for the first time, set up a little dedicated space for it, and thank me later.
One of the most helpful things I've found in sticking to meditation is changing out of my pajamas. This makes me want to crawl back into bed less, and I find that I'm less likely to fall asleep. I like these buttery soft Outdoor Voices TechSweat 7/8 Leggings ($85).
I also wear this Outdoor Voices CloudKnit Longsleeve T-Shirt ($65), and I never want to take it off.
Possibly the biggest piece of advice that helped me was to get out of my bed. I invested in this cute little Sherpa Floor Pillow ($39, originally $49) as a place to sit up straight and be comfortable, but not be in my bed. It also doubles as an extra seat when people come over.
The Diptyque Baies/Berries Room Spray ($68) has been a lifesaver. This is how you can have aromatherapy without having to wait to burn a candle. Just a couple spritzes is all you need.
If you have no idea where to begin, I recommend Invitation to Meditation ($15). It comes with a little crystal, and it tells you how to clear your mind and breathe deeply.
This Vitruvi Porcelain Essential Oil Diffuser ($119) is another great way to get your aromatherapy on.
This Vitruvi Lavender Essential Oil ($18) makes me feel more calm and ready to meditate as soon as I smell it.
This cute, easily portable Mini USB Moon Himalayan Salt Lamp ($24, originally $29) helps purify the air.
Meditation For Daily Stress: 10 Practices For Immediate Well-Being ($10, originally $17) is another helpful, easily digestible book if you want to start meditating.
Self-Meditation: 3,299 Tips, Quotes, Reminders, and Wake-Up Calls For Peace and Serenity ($10) proves that you can meditate anywhere, and is a helpful reminder to stay present.
I like to stay cozy in this Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Ribbed Throw Blanket ($147) while I'm meditating. Hey, sometimes I get cold!
Even though meditation asks you to quiet your mind, I find that in the minutes after I'm done, I have some of my best thoughts and ideas. So, I keep this Ban.do Rough Draft Mini Notebook ($12) near my meditation station, and it makes me feel like I can really let my mind wander.