Meditation has many benefits, it reduces stress, calms us and can enhance our self-awareness. If you’ve never meditated before, now might be a good time to start! We asked Louise, our resident wellbeing guru (and Compliance Team Leader) to share her tips on meditation with all of our lovely school staff. Here is what she had to say... 

1. Find somewhere tranquil or where you feel at peace

This can be indoors or outdoors. If it helps, you can grab a cushion or a mat - just make sure you're comfortable! More important sit how you want to sit, meditating does not mean you have to sit crossed-legged (unless you want to). It’s all about finding out what works for you.

2. Focus on your breathing

Trying to drown out any noises or distractions around you can be difficult. This is why you should focus on your breathing instead. Inhale through the nose, hold it briefly and exhale through the mouth. Repeat this until a sense of calmness has taken over.

3. Try meditating first thing in the morning or right before you go to bed

Making this a regular habit in your day can most definitely achieve the results you want. Be committed to nourishing and empowering your body, soul and mind.

4. After each session, reflect on how you feel. 

Keep a journal (written or electronic) and remind yourself daily of the beneficial impacts you experience. Our experience in life should only be ones that we learn from, so choose to learn from your experiences through meditation.

5. Try other practices to find peace through meditation

Meditation doesn’t have to be silent. Write down some affirmations and say them out loud. Manifest your desires into a reality! Listen to music. Do yoga. Meditation doesn’t have a manuscript but you can use the basics of meditative guidance and make it your own. Remember this is your experience, that you will learn from and it is not anyone's place to dictate how you improve your mindset.

Have you been meditating? If so, tell us all about it in Operation Smile and share your tips.