I meditated for 10 minutes every morning for a month — this is how it changed my life

As the founder of Hack Spirit and author of a popular book on mindfulness, I’ve always been intrigued by the power of meditation. However, even for me, maintaining a consistent meditation habit has been challenging. So, I decided to change that by taking on a new routine: meditating for 10 minutes every morning for a month.

The purpose of this self-imposed challenge was twofold. Firstly, to incorporate a solid mindfulness practice into my daily routine and secondly, to debunk the notion that you need to meditate for hours to reap the benefits. It’s a common misconception, but believe me, even a few minutes each day can make a big difference.

The process was simple: every morning after waking up, before the rush of the day started, I spent 10 minutes in silence, focusing on my breath and trying to quiet my mind. To be honest, it wasn’t always easy — there were days when I had to fight the urge to check my emails or make breakfast instead. But I stuck with it.

Over the course of this month-long journey, I’ve experienced some surprising changes. So if you’re curious about how just 10 minutes of morning meditation can impact your life, stay with me as I share my transformative experience in the following sections.

The mindfulness experiment: a 10-minute morning routine

So, what did my new morning routine look like? Let me break it down for you.

Every morning, as soon as I woke up, I would sit comfortably on the floor with a cushion to support my back. I chose a quiet corner in my house where I wouldn’t be disturbed. Then, for the next 10 minutes, my focus was solely on my breath and the sensation of each inhale and exhale.

  • I began by taking deep breaths, inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth to calm my mind and prepare it for meditation.
  • Then, I transitioned to normal breathing, keeping my attention on the gentle rise and fall of my chest.
  • When thoughts came — and they always did — I acknowledged them without judgment and gently refocused on my breath.

Consistency was key. Regardless of how I felt or how busy my schedule was, I made sure to stick to this routine every single day for a month. And yes, there were days when it was really challenging. There were mornings when all I could think about was the long to-do list waiting for me. But each time, I reminded myself of my commitment and brought my focus back to the present moment.

Now, you’re probably wondering what impact this simple routine had on my life. Well, that’s what we’re going to delve into next. The changes were subtle at first but as days turned into weeks, they became more noticeable. So let’s take a look at how 10 minutes of morning meditation can truly make a difference.

Unveiling the results of daily meditation

I won’t beat around the bush: the results of this month-long experiment were nothing short of astounding. The changes were not instant, but with each passing day, I could feel a subtle shift in my overall demeanor.

The first and most noticeable change was in my morning mood. I used to wake up feeling groggy and often stressed about the day ahead. But with this new routine, I started my day feeling calm and collected. The morning rush didn’t feel as overwhelming anymore.

My focus and productivity also improved significantly. With a clear and calm mind, I was able to tackle my tasks more efficiently. There was a certain clarity that I had not experienced before.

My stress levels dropped noticeably too. Small issues that would earlier bother me seemed insignificant. It’s not that I didn’t encounter problems or have bad days, but my response to them changed. Instead of reacting impulsively, I felt more in control and was able to handle situations better.

But perhaps the most surprising outcome was the improvement in my sleep quality. By spending just a few minutes each day focusing on my breath and calming my mind, I found myself falling asleep faster and waking up feeling more refreshed.

All these changes from a simple 10-minute morning routine! It’s safe to say this experiment debunked my initial skepticism. I used to think that you needed to meditate for hours on end to experience any substantial benefits. But as it turns out, even a few minutes each day can make a tangible difference. So what’s stopping you from giving it a try?

Expectations vs reality: the meditation myth

Before I started this experiment, I had a lot of preconceived notions about meditation. Like many, I believed that to reap the benefits of meditation, you had to do it for hours every day. Truth be told, the idea of spending so much time in stillness seemed daunting and frankly, unrealistic given my busy schedule.

But this experiment proved me wrong. In just 10 minutes a day — which is hardly a blip in a 24-hour day — I was able to see significant changes in my mood, stress levels, productivity, and even my sleep pattern.

The reality was far from my original expectation. You don’t need to become a monk or dedicate hours of your day to meditation. Even a small amount of time dedicated every day can have profound effects.

This experience has taught me that sometimes, less is more. That small, consistent actions can lead to big changes.

Small changes, big impact: a lesson from meditation

The lesson I learned from this experiment goes beyond just meditation. It’s about the power of small, consistent actions. Whether it’s dedicating 10 minutes a day to meditation, reading a few pages of a book, or taking a short walk — these are small actions that can lead to significant changes over time.

You see, we often underestimate the power of consistency. We live in a world where we want instant results and quick fixes. But real, lasting change happens gradually, not overnight. And it starts with taking small steps every day.

This experiment has shown me that it’s not about having hours to spare for meditation or any other activity. It’s about making the most out of the time you do have. Even if it’s just a few minutes each day, those minutes can add up and make a huge difference over time.

So my advice to you is this: start small. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t have hours to dedicate. Start with what you can manage and stay consistent. Over time, you’ll notice the changes — just as I did with my 10-minute morning meditation routine.

Remember, it’s not about the length of time you dedicate but the consistency with which you do it. Give it a try and see how these little moments can transform your life, just as they transformed mine.

Embracing mindfulness and consistency: a path to personal growth

Reflecting on this journey, I see it as more than just an experiment with meditation. It’s been a testament to the power of small, consistent actions and the impact of mindfulness in our daily lives.

  • Embrace Mindfulness: Cultivating a present-moment awareness, just like focusing on my breath during meditation, brought a deeper connection with myself.
  • Prioritize Self-Improvement: Dedicating myself to this small daily habit was a step towards personal growth and development.
  • Value Mental Well-being: This practice helped me prioritize my mental health, laying the foundation for a more balanced and fulfilling life.

These principles aren’t just applicable to meditation. They can be incorporated into almost any aspect of our lives, whether it’s adopting a healthier lifestyle, learning a new skill, or nurturing our relationships.

In fact, I’ve spoken about this in more detail in my book, where I share my journey of embracing Buddhist principles for a fulfilling modern life. These teachings helped me realize the importance of living with less ego and more purpose.

So, if you take away one thing from this journey of mine, let it be this: start small and stay consistent. Whether it’s meditation or any other aspect of your life, don’t underestimate the power of taking small steps each day. You’ll be amazed at how these tiny changes can add up over time to create significant transformations.

Remember, life is a journey of continuous learning and growth. So embrace the process, stay patient, and most importantly, enjoy the ride.

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Picture of Lachlan Brown

Lachlan Brown

I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder, and editor of Hack Spirit. I love writing practical articles that help others live a mindful and better life. I have a graduate degree in Psychology and I’ve spent the last 15 years reading and studying all I can about human psychology and practical ways to hack our mindsets. Check out my latest book on the Hidden Secrets of Buddhism and How it Saved My Life. If you want to get in touch with me, hit me up on Facebook or Twitter.

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