You are already clear that meditation is good for your well-being, since it brings numerous benefits to your physical and mental health; therefore, you want to practice it. But for some reason, every time you try it you can’t sit still, you get distracted and end up getting bored and quitting; Or it may be that you definitely don’t have time to spend a few minutes doing nothing.
The good news is that You don’t necessarily have to sit quietly to meditate, but there are active alternatives to mindfulness that can offer you a meditative experience.. Learn about some of them below.
Walk
It is a perfect alternative to «passive» meditation, as walking helps you clear your mind and connect with your environment. In addition, meditation while walking allows you to become aware of your thoughts, emotions and sensations, improves your mood and reduces stress.
It may interest you: Breathing exercise to meditate while walking
coloring and drawing
Coloring books for adults have become very popular in recent years, especially those that include mandala designs. This is because keeping your attention on an artistic activity like drawing or coloring helps you practice mindfulness, being present in the here and now, and taking your mind off problems, daily stress, and anxiety. These two activities are a break for your brain.
It may interest you: Coloring is not only for children and it does your brain a lot of good
Gardening
Being close to nature is very beneficial for physical and mental health, so what better than bringing a little piece of nature into your home by cultivating a garden or orchard. Caring for plants and trees involves doing everyday tasks like watering and weeding.
For many, this process can boost mental well-being by promoting mindfulness, disconnection from daily chaos, spending a few minutes outdoors a day, and contact with nature. All this reduces stress and anxiety, improves mood and reduces the feeling of physical and mental fatigue.
Crafts
Carrying out manual activities such as knitting, embroidering, sewing, making figures with paper, cloth, foamy, ceramics, wood, jewelry or other materials, allow you to practice mindfulness to relieve stress.
The rhythmic and repetitive nature of the weaving and embroidery is calming, comforting and contemplative. Similar to yoga, these slow, purposeful movements can relax the mind and body.
Also, crafts activate your imagination and creativity, while enjoying the process of creating something with your hands can help you free your mind for a meditative experience.
It may interest you: Crafts: a fun way to keep your brain in shape