If you are one of those many people who like to add holistic wellness aspects to a fitness routine, think about the positive aspects of meditation.  Meditation feeds your mind in somewhat the same way that power training feeds your body.  It’s a way to make sure that you are getting more than just “power” out of the time you take to improve your body and your mind.

Think about it: the various cardio and weight training activities that you do are like food for your body, which “uses” them by translating those burned calories into muscle toning and strength, and improved body processes.  So why not do the same for your mind?

Lots of trainers these days are extolling the virtues of meditation, and instructing their clients on how to use it.  Here are some ways to fit meditation into your day.

Be an Early Bird

Experts warn that meditation is not a great “after-dinner” activity – the benefits of meditation are best felt before working out, rather than after.  Early in the morning is a great time to set your mood for the day with some intense meditation.

Watch Your Breath

The idea of paying attention to your breathing is one of the “entry” points to a meditative space.  Practice long, slow breaths in and out to get better at getting “in the zone”.

Find a Niche

One very important element of meditation is finding a space where you can be totally and completely alone.  No traffic, no kids, no leaf-blowers or television….just you.  This is critical to getting the power of meditation into your day (and another reason why those early morning hours are the perfect option).

Use visualizations

This component of meditation is something that can make your meditative sessions even more intense.  For centuries, people have used specific visual and associative elements to find an “entry” into a meditative state.
One of the most interesting is the labyrinth.  This maze-like construction, according to historians, provided some of the great minds of history with a meditative tool.  Those seeking an enlightened state walked the halls of a topiary, a building or some other labyrinth construct, aligning their physical movement with a mental state.
For those with no access to a “labyrinth”, use a “tree” concept: many choose to meditate first on the roots (below the body), then the trunk (in the body) and the branches (above the body in the air).
Visualizations, as well as other tools, can be your gateway to getting a meditative state into your routine.  Consider a few books and videos to find the tools and techniques that are right for you.