We have to be honest, the world is pretty stressful. Everything from politics, “hustle culture”, to the incessant phone notifications (and the fact that we’ve been programmed to be at the mercy of these electronic devices) means that the heightened levels of stress we’re feeling is completely understandable.
And while there are many ways to reduce stress and anxiety, from taking supplements to exercising regularly, meditation is an accessible solution to improve mindfulness and enhance your quality of life.
Research shows that meditation can improve anxiety symptoms, and may even help with depression.
The caveat of course is that meditation won’t free us from our problems, but it can be utilised as an efficient stress management tool.
In this blog, we’ll give you some meditation tips and tricks, and then share some of the best free mindful meditations and meditation tools (in our opinion!).
Top 5 Meditation Tips
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You Don’t Need to Get Rid of Your Thoughts
A common misconception about meditation is that you must completely rid your mind of all thoughts. Unless you’re a seasoned meditator, this goal is quite ambitious and usually impossible. It also puts a lot of pressure on you, and ironically makes you think even more. The key here is to become the observer of your thoughts. Let them come and go. Do not judge or force anything, simply sit back and observe whenever thoughts do come in.
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Focus on Your Breath
Focusing on your breath helps you relax and eases you into a meditative state.
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Start Small: 5 Minutes is Enough
Don’t pressure yourself to commit to hour-long sessions. Even five minutes of mindful breathing can make a noticeable difference. Over time, you might naturally feel drawn to extend your practice (and a meditation over 5 minutes is definitely recommended).
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Remove All Distractions
Create a quiet, comfortable space free from interruptions. Turn off notifications, set your phone aside, and let yourself fully embrace the moment.
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Consistency Is Key
Meditation works best when it’s part of your routine. Whether it’s first thing in the morning, during a lunch break, or before bed, find a time that fits seamlessly into your day and stick to it.
Our Favourite Free Mindful Meditations
Great Meditation is a Youtube channel that provides free guided meditations. They are soothing, varied (anywhere from 5 mins to 1 hour), and creative. Hope you enjoy!
The Honest Guys provide some of the best guided sleep meditations, so this is a great channel to check out if you’re craving a relaxing sleep!
Smiling Mind
Smiling Mind is a non-profit app providing free, easy-to-follow mindfulness exercises for all ages. Whether you're looking for stress relief, focus, or a quick mental reset, Smiling Mind offers something for everyone—and it’s 100% free.
Insight Timer
Insight Timer is a goldmine for free meditations led by expert teachers from around the globe. You’ll find options for every mood—stress relief, sleep, focus, or just a peaceful pause in your day. The sheer variety makes this app a must-try!
A Cozy Companion to Your Practice
If you’re looking for something to complement your meditation or help ease stress, Unwind might be your new favorite ritual. This cacao-based blend features calming herbs and adaptogens designed to help you relax. Whether you sip it warm before meditating or enjoy it after a long day, Unwind is a small, mindful moment in itself.
Finding Your Calm
Meditation is a tool, not a magic solution, but it’s one that can make a real difference when practiced regularly. Whether you start with five minutes or dive into a longer session, the journey is about progress, not perfection.
We hope these resources—and a little extra help from mindful rituals like Unwind—inspire you to find moments of calm amidst the chaos. Happy meditating!