I generally do enjoy and see the benefits of meditation. There are times when meditating frustrates me and makes me jittery. I try to switch off and be present focusing only on my breath and the meditation, however, I am not able to. Other times I would meditate and fall asleep such as in the mornings straight after waking up.

The Cambridge Dictionary defines the word meditate as: “to think calm thoughts in order to relax”.

Thinking of this definition I asked myself the question. What could I do instead of meditation to think calm thoughts in order to relax?

Here are 3 other strategies I have found and use to relax and be mindful instead of meditation:

1. Go For A Walk

I attempt to walk daily for at least 20 minutes. This started as I wanted to reach 10,000 steps daily. Working in a corporate job I am on the computer or in meetings (usually via Teams) all day. I noticed my step count would be less than 5,000. In order to increase my steps, I started walking and was amazed at the difference it made to my physical and mental health.

I put my headphones in, listen to audible, a podcast or music and off I go in my own trance.

The other aspect I love is that when I listen to audiobooks or podcasts I am learning hence this has meant that I am being active, and mindful plus also filling my brain with new knowledge. TRIPLE WIN!

2. Colour In

I always enjoyed colouring in and never thought of it as a relaxation and mindful activity. It was something I would do to spend time with the kids.

One night I was having a challenging day and my emotions were everywhere. Actually, it was a challenging couple of weeks and that day the volcano erupted within me. Hence colouring in with the kids was the perfect peaceful activity.

While colouring in I found myself relaxing and unwinding as my mind was focused on colouring. I was present and in the moment and not thinking of anything else. After the kids went to bed I continued colouring and felt my mind untangle and relax.

Since then colouring has become my go-to activity when I am not up for meditating, I feel my emotions are unsettled or before going to bed to unwind.

I love my Women’s Weekly colouring book my sister-in-law brought me (thanks sis!) and using my Smiggle Pens (I especially love the glitter ones).

3. Read

This is something I have been doing since I was a child, before I go to sleep I lay in bed and read. I find it a great way to unwind.

Reading is great any time when you are feeling unsettled or want to escape and get lost in a book. Pick a put you will enjoy and will relax you.

One of my clients used to read business books before going to bed and then his mind would be racing with ideas and strategies for work. By changing the books, he read he was not only able to relax and unwind he found he was in a better headspace.

I have friends who enjoy fiction books to unwind in the evenings however I love learning and teaching personal development. Three books that I have enjoyed reading recently are:

• Women Who Work: Rewriting the Rules For Success by Ivanka Trump
• Build An Empire: How to Have It All by Elena Cardone
• Radical Confidence: 10 No-BS Lessons on Becoming the Hero of Your Own Life by Lisa Bilyeu

No matter what the book is, make sure it is something you enjoy and it will relax and unwind you as opposed to getting your mind racing and thinking.

What other suggestion do you have that you find is a great substitute for meditation?