Want to build a meditation habit without effort? The team at Silatha tell us how.

The new year is almost upon us and it’s an essential time to look back and reflect on the crazy year it has been. Starting 2020 with gusto and positivity, many of us took the small things for granted and the normality of life we always trusted being there. Then all of a sudden our securities were upended. Feelings of anxiety, stress and worry inevitably crept in with the lack of childcare, compulsory home-schooling, working from home as well as many being removed from the support bubbles of parents and relatives. Just as you thought the worst was behind, another lockdown became reality.

So how does one stay sane? Our recommended way to survive the current uncertainty is through meditation. But how do you fit meditation into your already jam-packed day you ask?

Here are 5 tips to help you build a meditation habit that sticks:

1. Use every free minute
   We often think that we need to allocate 20 minutes or more in order to get some ‘meditation’ time in, but this isn’t true. Even one minute can make a difference if you start doing it regularly. Use the time when you’re waiting in line, the first minute after waking or when you’re next put on hold over the phone. With so many moments that we let pass today, often frustrated, make it a habit to utilise these mindfully, and simply focus on your breath for that short moment.
   
2. Connect it to an existing habit
   One of the difficulties of creating a new habit is remembering to do it. When you link it to another habit that is already in your routine it becomes much easier. For example brushing your teeth or
   making a cup of coffee – train yourself so that before taking your first sip, you take ten slow, deep breaths or straight after brushing your teeth, you sit for two minutes and do some breathing exercises.
   
3. Use a meditation app like Silatha that is designed to help build a habit
   Get supported by using a meditation app such as Silatha. The special method has been fine-tuned over many years and promises to increase your chances for success, as well as being 6 times more successful than any other meditation app in creating a habit that lasts. The method includes linking your personal intention to a tangible object which then becomes your reminder. So, when a stressful moment happens during the day, you hold your object (called your ‘Gem’) and you will go back to your intention. This is not the only technique Silatha uses to build a lasting meditation habit as the guided meditations range in length, support topics and ensure you acknowledge the positive steps toward change you’re taking, congratulating you along the way.
   
4. Find a buddy
   Are you the kind of person that thrives alongside others or perhaps needs an extra push? Many of us do, so if that’s the case for you, get a meditation buddy who can keep you excited and on track. Align on a time of the day that you both will meditate and keep each other
   accountable. It’s always easier when done together. You can also join a group, so you meet like-minded women and you’ll stay reminded and inspired – join the Silatha Tribe here.
   
5. Have a tangible reminder
   Invest in yourself with a tangible reminder. This can be a beautiful piece of jewellery (check out the Silatha collection here, where each piece has a special intention linked to it already), or create a warm space in your home with some candles and flowers, where you feel calm and
   relaxed. Make sure there is a tangible element in your daily surroundings that helps you remember that you want to sit for a few minutes, so you can’t forget.

With a combination of the above suggestions you will be well on your way to building that healthy habit you desire, so then whatever 2021 may bring, you’ll be ready! You will certainly notice you’re more calm, focused and perhaps start to feel that you have your life under control and are heading in a positive direction.

And lastly, don’t be too hard on yourself. Go bit by bit, remembering that building a meditation routine is a marathon, not a sprint and great things take time, so don’t rush. Build day by day and if you miss one, don’t be too tough on yourself, just smile and pick it up the next day.

We wish you well and hope you’ll enjoy the Silatha method, here you can find more information:the Silatha app [Android & Apple], website and on social.

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About Silatha

Silatha Founder, Veroniek Vermeulen, is on a quest to break women’s mental health taboos and support women through their mental health issues with meditation. Veroniek enjoyed a long career as a Senior level marketing expert. At some point in her professional life she realised that status and money weren’t making her happy. A life changing experience amidst the beautiful surroundings of the Himalayas got her in contact with meditation and this led to the creation of Silatha, a company that wants to improve the mental health of women harnessing a special meditation
method that becomes a long lasting habit.

www.silatha.com