How to meditate in 5 steps

- Sit comfortably. A chair, a cushion or the edge of your bed all work. Keep your back upright but relaxed.
- Set a timer. Start with 5 or 10 minutes. The player above fades out on its own when time is up.
- Close your eyes and breathe naturally. Notice the air moving in and out, at your nose or your belly.
- When your mind wanders, come back. Notice the thought, let it go, and return to the breath. Every return is a rep, like lifting a weight.
- Finish slowly. Take one deep breath, notice how you feel, and open your eyes.
Guides to go further
How to meditate dailyA 10-minute routine and how to make it stick
10 meditation techniquesBreath, body scan, mantra, sound and more
Daily affirmationsPair your practice with an intention
How long should you meditate?
For beginners, 5 to 10 minutes a day is a great start. Showing up daily matters more than sitting for a long time once a week.
Once 10 minutes feels easy, add a few minutes at a time. Many people settle at 15 to 20 minutes.
Sound meditation with frequencies
If focusing on your breath feels hard, try focusing on a sound instead. A steady tone like 432 Hz gives your attention something simple to rest on, and the soft swell of SleepHz tones naturally slows your breathing.
Try 432 Hz for calm, 528 Hz for a warm, uplifting feel, or the 6 Hz Drift Off beat with headphones for deep relaxation.