3 Forms of Meditation That Don’t Require Lying Down

Let’s be real, life can get crazy. Sometimes I’m really on point when it comes to self-care, and other times I let the hustle and bustle of coaching take over my days and nights.

I often feel extremely inspired during the longevity of the rush, but the minute the coacher’s high (get it, like runner’s high?) dwindles down, my exhaustion gets the best of me and I have to rethink my inspiration-inducing activities.

I’m the type of person that likes to always be busy, and this has definitely presented itself as a trial during my entrepreneur journey. Being your own boss means being able to not be busy sometimes and knowing it’s just as crucial to rest, as it is to work.

It’s just as important to play, as it is to podcast! (though, that is playing)

The past few weeks have been insightful, as I’ve branched out in new ways than I have ever before. Instead of continuing the same routine I always have (busy, slump, busy, slump, fast, slow, fast, slow) I am aiming to create a life that incorporates both fast and slow on a day-to-day basis instead of weeks or months at a time.

What was my solution?

Meditation.

Not just any meditation, mind you. I’ve tried lying on my back listening to the latest and great YouTube guided meditation channels, but that just doesn’t work for me. It’s not fun, and if I know anything, it’s that if something isn’t fun I will procrastinate for as long as I can.

In the past month, I have created three forms of “meditation” that work for me. Try em out if you want and share your experiences with me. I believe self-care is crucial for everyone but especially those who are recovering from disorders.

If these suggestions aren’t for you, that’s cool too. But I’d be interested to hear what you do instead, so comment below telling me what you like to do for meditation and I may just share it in a podcast!

Coloring Meditation

I’m writing about this one first because it’s currently my favourite form of meditation. I sit at my desk, open up my blinds, turn on a marketing podcast (like this one) and go to town on a coloring book. I like coloring because identifying colors is one of my strong suits (according to an eight-hour aptitude test I took a few years back) and it’s a pleasure I haven’t really indulged in since I was a kid. Even though it might not feel productive, you’re doing so much good for your brain allowing the creativity to flow in, while also listening to an insightful and uplifting message. It’s a time to create mental space and relax, while encouraging your playful inner child to express herself. I was brought back to this activity thanks to Katie’s video here.

Walking

You’ve probably heard this one before, but have you been actively engaging in it? If so, I’m sure you agree with me when I say walking can be one of the most relaxing and meditative exercises. I walk every morning, and sometimes even in the afternoon, and I listen to another podcast, music, or nothing at all. Either way, it’s a peaceful experience that typically brings on inspiration every single time. Other forms of low-impact movement can work just as well, including yoga, stretching, rollerblading, biking and hiking. I have my phone on airplane mode so that I’m not texting or answering calls during this time, and I also have Evernote on my phone so that if a idea comes to me, I can write it down and look at it later on my computer. Meditation = me time!

Reading

Okay, so you can lie down while doing this one, but you certainly don’t have to. I am a definitely a bookworm but sometimes I take it to the extreme and try to read five books at once. At that point, it just becomes an OCD mental game where I want to finish the books to feel accomplished, and totally miss the point of enjoying a good read. I have to be careful not to do that these days because the last thing I need it to waste time reading, when I could instead be enjoying time reading.

You know what I’m sayin’?

When I really dive into one or two good books, ones that totally captivates me, I am enthralled and inspired in so many different ways. This feeling is pure bliss. Currently, I am reading Dear Lover by David Deida and Hunger, Hope and Healing by Sarahjoy Marsh, two very different books but I’m learning a great deal from both. I plan to have a podcast talking about what I’ve been learning from Dear Lover soon, and I will have the author of Hunger, Hope and Healing on the show sometime next month, so be sure to check those out and follow what I’m learning!

Bonus: Handstands, cooking and mindful eating! Those are a few more of my favourite things. Sometimes, I’ll combine all three in one evening. I’ll practice some handstands in my apartment, while cooking a delicious meal that requires lovingly sautéing, stirring, broiling, and then I’ll eat it mindfully, without any distractions!

What are some of your favourite ways to meditate? Comment below and maybe I’ll share them on an upcoming episode of my show!

Not big into typical meditation? Here are 3 creative ways to meditate without lying on your back!