Meditation for Beginners: 5 Ways to Start Meditating in 2016

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If you're looking to improve your physical and mental health, there's no other better time to do it than right now. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, about 18 million Americans already practice meditation and countless studies have shown it has many health benefits. How do you start meditating? Below are some tips:

1) Make preparations.

Read a book about meditation or familiarize yourself with the principle to see how it can benefit you best. Find resources to use like meditation music or CDs. Some of these come with instructions that can improve focusing. Start by browsing at Amazon's Best Sellers Relaxation & Meditation library.

2) Create a suitable area in your house.

You will need to have a space for meditating, preferably one that has no distractions, with lots of fresh air, uncluttered and easy to clean and maintain. Add dim lights or scented candles, or add yoga mats, rugs and pillows to make the area more comfortable. Art of Living has other good tips on how to create your meditating space.

3) Practice regularly, even for a few minutes daily.

Some prefer to begin their day with meditation so they do this in the morning, but you can meditate at a time that's best for you. However, you have to do this daily so that your body and mind becomes attuned to the process. To keep the system going, put it in your calendar. "If you have a specific goal, like 30 minutes daily, it needs to be in your calendar; otherwise it just won't happen," meditating expert Pedram Shojai said via New York Magazine.

Don't worry if you can't finish your 30-minute daily goal though, when the point of meditating is to release anxiety and stress. Have patience. It doesn't have to be perfect, according to Daniel Blanchat, who practices meditation, per YDR.

4) Be committed to the process.

This means, you have to put all of your body and mind to it and let go of all the distractions, including feelings and expectations. When you're completely into it, you will begin to notice your berating and feel your body parts. Eventually, you will be able to practice stillness and quiet your mind in between commutes to work, during break time or while waiting in line at the grocery store.

5) Join meditating groups.

You'll hone the habit better when you have support from a group of people with the same goal. With a meditating group, you'll also be able to learn more techniques and positions from others. This should help you find what's more comfortable to use in your daily practice.