Most people start meditating with calmness and relaxation in mind, which is fine. Feeling relaxed and calm after a meditation session is a natural outcome, but sometimes it doesn’t work out that way. Either a person feels tired and exhausted, or they don’t feel after trying to meditate for quite some time.
There can be several reasons your meditation efforts aren’t working out. Maybe, a person has racing thoughts in their head, or their mind wanders in all different directions, rather than focusing on what it must focus on. Sometimes, it happens due to poor sleeping patterns, and sometimes, poor eating habits can also pave the way for a failed meditation session.
There are so many things you can do to make meditation work for you. For starters, you can try adjusting your mindset. Mindset adjustment may include letting go of your negativity, and replacing it with positivity. You can also quit solo meditation, and opt for a group setting to meditate in. Moreover, you can also do a quick workout prior to a meditative session.
Reasons Meditation Doesn’t Work for You
Your Mind Races
Thoughts race on a loop, making it impossible for a person to focus on anything else. For these people, meditation may seem like a fruitless exercise. In fact, they may find that their thoughts only become more persistent when they try to meditate.
While it may be true that people with a racing mind have more difficulty quieting their thoughts, it doesn’t mean that meditation can’t be beneficial. In fact, meditation can be a helpful tool for managing anxiety and improving focus.
The key is to be patient and persistent. If your thoughts keep wandering, gently bring your attention back to your breath. Over time, you may find that it becomes easier to control your thoughts and enter a state of calm.
Your Mind Wanders
For many people, the inability to focus during meditation is a common problem. Even if you’re not thinking about work or other obligations, your mind may still wander to other topics. This is because the default mode network (DMN) is responsible for a variety of mental activities, including daydreaming, self-reflection, and rumination.
When you meditate, your DMN becomes less active. However, that doesn’t mean that your mind will be completely devoid of thoughts. In fact, it’s perfectly normal for your mind to wander during meditation.
The key is to simply notice when your thoughts have drifted off and return your focus to your breath or a mantra. With time and practice, you’ll be able to train your mind to stay more present during meditation.
Your Are Inconsistent
If you find that meditation doesn’t work for you, it may be because you’re being inconsistent with your practice. It’s important to meditate regularly to see results. If you only meditate sporadically, it will be difficult to experience the benefits of meditation.
Additionally, if you find it hard to sit still and focus during meditation, it may be helpful to try a different style of meditation or to find a quiet place where you can relax and feel comfortable. With regular practice, meditation can be an effective way to reduce stress and promote peace of mind.
You Keep Falling Asleep
According to many experts, meditation can have a number of benefits, including reducing stress, improving sleep quality, and increasing focus and concentration. However, some people find it difficult to meditate, either because they cannot clear their minds or because they keep falling asleep.
If you find yourself in the latter category, there are a few things you can do to improve your meditation practice. First, make sure that you are getting enough sleep. A lack of sleep can make it difficult to focus and can lead to drowsiness during meditation. Second, try meditating at a time when you are usually awake and alert.
For instance, if you are a morning person, try meditating first thing in the morning. Finally, if you find yourself getting frustrated with your inability to meditate, remember that it takes time and practice to master the technique. With patience and perseverance, you will eventually be able to achieve the benefits of meditation.
You Have Body Aches/Pains
For some people, the inability to meditate doesn’t come from a lack of wanting to. It comes from their body. More specifically, from their body pains and aches.
Body pains and aches can make it really difficult to sit still and focus on your breath. All you can focus on is the pain itself. And the more you try to ignore it, the more it seems to bother you.
Meditation requires you to be in the present moment and body pains make that very difficult. So if you’ve been struggling to meditate, it might be because of your body and not your mind.
Things to Do If Meditation Doesn’t Work for You
Change Your Mindset
If you practice meditation and it doesn’t work for you, it’s important to change your mindset. A lot of people give up on meditation because they expect it to be a magic solution that will instantly fix all of their problems. But that’s not realistic.
Like anything else, meditation takes time and practice. The key is to be open-minded and to embrace the challenge. It’s also important to practice radical acceptance. This means accepting yourself exactly as you are, without judgment.
Meditation isn’t about changing who you are – it’s about finding peace within yourself. And that takes time, patience, and practice. So if you find that meditation doesn’t work for you, don’t give up. Keep searching for a practice that feels right for you, and be patient with yourself along the way.
Opt for a Group Setting
If you’re someone who’s tried meditation and found that it doesn’t work for you, it might be because you need a different setting. A lot of people think that they can only meditate if they’re alone in a room with no distractions, but that’s not the case.
In fact, some people find it helpful to seek out a group setting. When you’re meditating with other people, it can be easier to focus and breathe. Plus, you’ll have the support of the group if you find yourself struggling.
If you’re interested in exploring this option, seek out a meditation teacher and see if they offer group classes. You might be surprised at how well it works for you.
Try a Pre-Meditation Warm-Up
Just like with any other activity, getting your body and mind in the right state before you start meditating is important. Otherwise, you’ll likely find yourself getting distracted or feeling frustrated. A good way to get your mind focused is to read a book on meditation or mindfulness.
This will help to get you in the right frame of mind for meditation. Alternatively, you could try doing some yoga or stretching to get your body relaxed and ready for meditation.
Finally, make sure you avoid using social media or any other technology for at least half an hour before starting your meditation session. This will help you to avoid distractions and focus on the present moment.
Final Word
Meditation isn’t something that will work for you overnight. Just like any other exercise, it takes time before you can reap its fruit.
The trick is to be patient, and focus on the root cause. Once you zero-in on the thing that’s keeping you from meditating properly, you can then work on finding a solution.
If meditation doesn’t work for you, don’t be disheartened and give it up all together. Make sure to follow the tips mentioned above with utmost sincerity, and you will see the results.
