I used to be like you. I knew meditation could help reduce stress, curb anxiety, and help me sleep. But I never sat down and actually did it. Now that Ive followed my breath every day for 734 days in a row, meditation has become a huge part of my life. And it has such obvious, noticeable benefits that I can't imagine my life without it.

I began meditating because Headspace, the app I use (and for whom I occasionally write meditation articles, full disclosure), hooked me in. It seemed like a game: I didnt want to lose my streak of meditating nine or 10 days in a row. While the game-ification of working out might be garbage, it turned meditation into something that taught me skills as I achieved higher levels of meditation (it didn't hurt that, after each session, I felt fantastic). Headspace isn't the only option, either: Apps like Calm and ABC newsman Dan Harris 10% Happierare great, too.

When I told my friends I was getting into meditating, I was teased. Was I going to become a zen master, start wearing beads, and put my hair in a man bun? (Answers: Probably not, nope, and Im balding.) Id explain calmly, because I'm so chill now that I was just sitting down and closing my eyes for 10 minutes a day. Almost every time, the friend admitted that a 10-minute shutdown would probably help them, too.

Yes, meditation has helped me become a calmer person. But it also had unexpected benefits. I don't take my thoughts as emotions as seriously anymore. And, maybe most usefully, I'm better at focusing on the present. The form of meditation I practice most often requires that I pay attention to my breath. Sure, I get lost in thought and drift off. But I got better at realizing that when I had a thought, I could acknowledge it and go back to breathing. Now, instead of getting lost in unhelpful thoughts, Im focused on the task at hand. This makes me more productive and more appreciative of whats actually happening around me, rather than worrying about the future or dwelling on the past.

But it took some extra effort to turn meditation into a consistent practice and not just something I do when Im stressed. After all, studies have shown clear benefits to the brain. Here are the tricks that worked for me:

Ill tell you a secret. After a few months, I stopped needing those reminders. I meditate because its a part of my day, like brushing my teeth. I never forget to brush my teeth, so why would I forget to meditate? And since Im guessing you brush your teeth every day, I bet you can take the time to do this, too.

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What I Learned from Meditating Every Day for Two Years - Men's Journal