Meditation can be a powerful tool to clear your mind. Research has shown it to be just as effect as medication in treating anxiety and depression - with no side effects!

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I usually meditate in the morning to start my day. I set a timer for 5 minutes. As you get better practiced you can increase the time, but 5 minutes is a great starting point. I usually sit on the floor, lights off, in a quiet environment, and make sure I’m comfy.

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My meditation has three parts -

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1. I think about some realistic goals for the day. I’m going to work on a certain song, finish up social media prep, clean my room, etc. - super obtainable. In your meditation you should envision yourself accomplishing these things with ease. Setting goals helps plan out your day with purpose, and finishing them is a nice mental boost.

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2. After thinking about what I want to get done, I repeat a mantra in my head. I do the same phrase almost every day, but switch it occasionally if there’s something else on my mind. This should be something short and sweet, personal to you. Ideas - “Adventure forth, tackle the day“, “I will accomplish everything I set out to do”, “I am not my anxiety”, “Phone away, connect with others” - etc. Think of something important to you in your life right now. In this step you repeat that mantra in your head, thinking about nothing else. Get yourself in a trance repeating that phrase so it stays with you. After meditating, I find my mantra will pop into my head when I need it most.

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3. I take the rest of the time to sit and be still, clear mind, not thinking. Get in a peaceful state. I had a hard time doing this when I first started. Thoughts will probably pop into your head - let them come and go. Focus on your breathing here - big breaths in and out. The more you meditate the easier this will get.

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This is what works for me. Feel free to switch things up and do what works for you. I often substitute the goal setting with gratitude - think about things you are grateful for today or in your life recently.

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This is not a one off thing - it takes time to see the benefits of meditation. I try to do it every day. If you stick with it it can be a tremendous tool for clearing your head, getting in touch with yourself, and tackling anxiety & depression. Make it a habit and over time you will start to see positive changes.

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