Meditation as an overthinker
Struggling to Meditate with an Overthinking Mind?
Discover beginner-friendly meditation techniques, practical tips for daily practice, and the surprising benefits that can transform your life.
If you’re anything like me a few months ago, you’re probably thinking, “Ugh, another person pushing meditation. It’s just not for me.” And honestly, I get it.
For years, my mind was constantly racing. Sitting still? Not my thing. Trying to “focus my thoughts”? Impossible. Meditation wasn’t even on my radar.
But after five years of diving into self-development, meditation kept showing up. I heard about it so many times that I finally decided to give it a go.
My goal with this post is to introduce you to the benefits of meditation—especially if you have an overactive or overthinking mind—share ways to fit it into your daily routine, and recommend my top three beginner-friendly meditation techniques that even I can stick with.
Let’s Be Real
I’m not an expert. I still struggle with meditation, and some days, I have to force myself to practice. And yes, those days are harder. But I wanted to share my experience because sometimes, it’s more helpful to hear from someone who’s still figuring it out, just like you.
My Go-To Meditation App
Insight Timer
If you’re just starting out, I highly recommend checking out Insight Timer. It’s the best free meditation app I’ve found, with thousands of guided meditations, a streak tracker, and a green circle for every completed session (great for my practical mind).
You can pay for premium if you want access to courses or challenges, but honestly, the free version has everything you need to get started.
🔗LINK
My Favorite Meditation Techniques
Here are the three practices that work best for my overactive brain. Everyone is different, so explore and see what resonates with you!
1. Visualizations
Visualizations are my absolute favorite. I have a vivid imagination, so these meditations feel like an adventure. The instructor guides you to picture specific scenarios or goals, and you get to lose yourself in the imagery—like visualizing your dream life or a calming place, such as a beach or forest.
Visualizations are also a powerful tool to rewire your subconscious mind for success. If you want to intentionally create a wealth mindset and step into a life of abundance, check out Rewired—it’s a game-changer.
2. Affirmations
Affirmation meditations involve repeating positive statements, either aloud or in your head. You might repeat phrases like “I am calm and capable” or “I trust myself.” These are perfect for keeping my mind occupied and focused without giving it a chance to wander. It’s also a great way to shift your mindset and boost positivity.
3. Breathing Exercises
Breathing meditations focus on quieting the mind by directing attention to your breath. Instructors often guide you to count breaths or follow specific patterns, keeping your brain engaged but calm. This is a fantastic way to reduce stress and anxiety, and you can use these techniques anytime during your daily life.
Bonus: Sleep Meditations
If your mind races as soon as your head hits the pillow, sleep meditations (or “sleepscapes”) might be your new best friend. These are longer meditations with calming music or sounds designed to help you drift off. Combine them with breathing exercises for even better results.
Pro Tip: Keep a notepad by your bed. If your to-do list or worries pop up at night, jot them down so you can let them go until morning. Then release them and relax your mind.
How to Incorporate Meditation Into Your Day
Meditation doesn’t have to take up hours of your time. Here are three simple ways to fit it into your daily routine:
1. Morning Meditations
Meditating in the morning sets a calm tone for the day. Try doing it after you’re up and dressed to avoid accidentally falling back asleep (been there!).
2. Break-Time Meditations
Feeling stressed at work or overwhelmed during the day? Instead of scrolling aimlessly, take a five-minute meditation break. It’s a great way to reset, reduce screen time, and return to your tasks feeling refreshed.
If you’ve read my article on avoiding burnout as an entrepreneur, you know that taking breaks between tasks can be a game-changer for success and productivity. Why not add a five-minute meditation to reset your mind before starting the next task?
Burned Out? Here’s How to Reignite Your Spark
3. Bedtime Meditations
This is my favorite time to meditate. After my nighttime routine, I sit in bed, meditate for 5–10 minutes, and let my mind wind down. Once I’m done, I pop out my headphones and fall asleep easily. (Don’t try this lying down unless you want to fall asleep halfway through!)
The Benefits of Meditation
Meditation isn’t an instant fix, but it’s worth it. Here are some benefits I’ve started to notice:
Improved Focus: Training my mind to focus during meditation has carried over into work, conversations, and daily tasks.
Increased Positivity: Regular affirmations help shift my mindset and boost my mood.
A Quieter Mind: I still overthink, but meditation helps me create pockets of peace in the chaos.
Better Sleep: Sleep meditations and breathing exercises have transformed my nights, helping me fall asleep faster and wake up more refreshed.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Meditation has become my go-to tool for staying calm under pressure.
More Patience and Calmness: I used to have a short fuse, but meditation helps me respond more calmly to everyday challenges.
Ready to Start?
Meditation can be tricky, and I won’t pretend it’s easy to stick with. But I have to admit… it’s worth the hype.
If you’re ready to give it a shot, start with Insight Timer (not an affiliate link, just a recommendation).
Want to continue your journey to becoming the best version of yourself?
Check out this post for more self-growth tips.
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