Meditation is a mindfulness spiritual practice dating back to the ancient civilizations of India and China. Today, its effects and benefits help with the spiritual and emotional healing of people all around the world, but meditation is not easy to master.
Though there are many scientifically proven health benefits to meditation and its positive effects on the body and mind, it’s not the right fit for everyone.
If you don’t have the patience, desire, or the right frame of mind to meditate in silence, there are some equally soothing and effective activities you can try.
Can’t bring yourself to start meditating? Keep reading to discover the best alternative methods for calming your mind and finding inner peace in stressful situations.
Go For Long Walks in Nature
Spending time in nature, whether it’s a local hiking trail, the beach, or your own backyard, is one of the best things you can do for your wellbeing. Not only will you improve your physical health, but also your mental and emotional wellbeing.
Listening to the birds chirping, the stream burbling, and the leaves rustling in the wind will keep your mind in the present moment and help you forget about your worries. Whether you go away for a weekend or just for a day, reconnecting with Mother Nature is a healing, blissful, and peaceful experience.
Being in nature can help you sleep better, cope with stress more effectively, improve the function of your lungs, and lower your blood pressure. If you’re able to, visit an isolated spot with your family; if you can’t leave the house, spend an hour or two in your garden or balcony, soaking up the sunshine.
Try Art Therapy
Artistic forms like creative writing, playing an instrument, making music, singing, drawing, painting, calligraphy, journaling, or even doing puzzles can help calm your mind. For example, music therapy is a science-backed method of self-soothing and has the potential to improve your physical and mental wellbeing.
You don’t need fancy and expensive tools to start making art. You can start with the things you already have at home and do a crafts project, scrapbooking, or even some beginner photography using your phone. You can also include your kids and make something fun together.
Baking and cooking are also forms of art that can have incredible impact on your emotional wellbeing. As your mind focuses on the task ahead, it doesn’t have time to worry, stress out, or overthink things. Check out some of our delicious recipes for baked goods that go great with coffee and try making them.
Try CBD Oil
CBD oil is all the buzz right now, and for a good reason: it can help with sleep, relaxation, stress relief, anxiety, and improved brain function. It won’t get you high as it doesn’t contain THC, but it’ll have soothing effects on your nervous system.
If you take CBD oil with your coffee, you’re in for a great start of your morning. Now is the right time to incorporate CBD into your daily routine and start living a healthier, more conscious lifestyle.
Commit to an Exercise Routine
If you’re one of those people who can’t imagine to sit still for 15 minutes doing nothing, you’re not alone. Meditation isn’t for everyone, but the good news is – daily exercise is the perfect replacement for achieving a state of zen.
Exercise, no matter the type, intensity, or duration, helps release the feel-good hormones dopamine and serotonin. Meditation does the same, except your mind does all the work.
If you have access to a lake, river, forest, or other type of natural surroundings, go hiking, biking, or jogging to help clear brain fog, reduce stress, relieve anxiety, and improve your mood. If you’re not able to work out outside, there are many exercises you can do at home or in your backyard.
Deep-Clean Your Home
Cleaning can be a soothing and meditative activity when you want to blow off some steam and get rid of pent-up negative energy. Plus, you’ll also get rid of stuff that doesn’t make you happy or fit your new lifestyle anymore.
Now is the right time to de-clutter your home and deep-clean every nook and cranny – not because you have to, but because it’ll relax you. Here are 7 simple spring-cleaning tips for when you’re in the mood for cleaning.
Not Into Meditation? Try These Alternatives Instead
Leading a busy lifestyle, dealing with stress, and still managing to be a good parent, spouse, friend, and employee can be exhausting. If meditation is not your thing, these tried-and-true relaxing techniques will help you keep your mind and body balanced and well rested.
Connect with us on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook and let us know about your favorite ways to find inner calm and peace in tough times.
In the meantime, here are 25 super-easy ways to instantly improve your mood on a bad day.
Frosina A. Ivanovic is a content marketing specialist and writer. She’s passionate about quality coffee, travel, wellness, and digital marketing. You can connect with Frosina on LinkedIn or her website, Zhillmatic.