Meditation Tips for the Easily Distracted

The benefits of meditation to reduce stress, improve sleep, or enhance your overall well-being are becoming more and more common knowledge. Let me share something with you that you might not know yet. 

Meditation is an excellent practice for improving brain health and cognitive function, particularly for individuals with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). ADD is a neurological disorder that can impact focus, attention, and impulse control. Whether you are officially diagnosed with ADD or not, if you are struggling to focus and you feel that you have trouble controlling your impulses, read on:

​ADD or not,  It can be challenging to remain present and focused during meditation; but, with the right approach, meditation can be a powerful tool to improve your overall well-being, your brain health and manage ADD symptoms.  Are you ready for a few practical tips?

1. Use mindfulness techniques: Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on the present moment without judgment. It can help individuals become more aware of their thoughts and emotions, which can reduce impulsivity and improve focus. During meditation, try to pay attention to your breath and notice when your mind begins to wander. When you notice this happening, gently bring your attention back to your breath.

2. Try walking meditation: Sitting still for extended periods can be challenging for individuals, especially for those of us with ADD. Walking meditation is a great alternative that allows you to move while meditating. Focus on the sensation of your feet hitting the ground, the movement of your legs, and your breathing.

3. Use a mantra or visualization: Mantras and visualizations can help individuals with ADD maintain focus during meditation. A mantra is a word or phrase that you repeat silently to yourself during meditation. Visualizations involve imagining a peaceful scene or scenario. Both techniques can help distract from external stimuli and internal chatter.

4. Body scan meditation is another type of meditation that can be especially beneficial for those who struggle with focus. In this type of meditation, you focus on different parts of your body, starting from your toes and working your way up to your head. You pay attention to any sensations you feel in each body part, such as tension, warmth, or relaxation. By doing so, you become more aware of your body and your breath, which can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.

5. Practice consistently: Like any skill, meditation takes practice. Consistency is key to experiencing the benefits of meditation. Start with a few minutes a day, and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable

Meditation can be a valuable tool for improving brain health, managing ADD symptoms, and promoting overall well-being. By using the tips above and experimenting with different techniques, you can develop a meditation practice that works for you. Remember, the goal of meditation is not to eliminate distractions, but rather to learn to observe them without judgment and bring your focus back to the present moment. There is no wrong way to meditate; the intent is to help you relax and work through your thoughts and emotions. No matter how well you meditate or for how long, your body and mind will thank you.

Claudia is an NBC-HWC Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, the owner of Vibrant Health by Claudia LLC  and Virtual Health Coaches LLC. She studied health and wellness coaching at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition where she also completed courses in Gut Health, Hormone Health, and Advanced Coaching. She is a certified 21-Day Sugar Detox Coach as well as a co-author of the Amazon Bestseller “The Ultimate Guide to Creating Your Soul Aligned Business” 

To schedule a time for a free information call, click here or join her Vibrant Health Power Community - a free Facebook Group - here.