How 10 Minutes of Meditation for 30 Days Transformed My Life

Can 30 Days of meditation change your outlook on life like it did to mine?

A few months ago, I committed to a 30-day meditation challenge.

I was feeling stressed about my health, anxious, and in a low mood, so I decided to practice just 10 minutes of daily meditation to see if it would make a difference.

I had read about the benefits of mindfulness meditation, but honestly, I wasn’t sure if such a simple practice could have a real impact.

The Power of a 10-Minute Practice

Before this challenge, I thought meditation required a long, quiet retreat or a perfectly still mind. However, I wanted to challenge myself to something I would stick to, and I know it isn’t much, but I thought 10 minutes a day was realistic and achievable.

I have been waking up 15 minutes earlier than my family to complete this challenge, and I quickly realised that 10 minutes is enough to create a shift. Although when my young children woke up before me on several mornings, I completed my 10 minutes of meditation in the evening instead.

I have been listening to the guided meditations using the Peleton app. However, many other meditation apps and YouTube videos are available to help you stay focused if you want to try this. 

At first, it felt strange; my mind would wander, and I wasn’t sure if I was “doing it right.” But the beauty of daily meditation is that it’s not about perfection. It’s about showing up. 

Over time, I learned to observe my thoughts instead of getting caught up in them. After completing the challenge, I can confidently say that those 10 minutes a day transformed my life unexpectedly.

The Changes I Noticed After 30 Days

By the end of the month, the impact was undeniable. After each mediation, I wrote down how it made me feel and what came to mind because I wanted to observe how and if it benefited me. I also like to choose two cards from my Inner Compass Deck for guidance.

Here’s what I found:

I Became More Present

One of the most significant transformations was my ability to be more present in daily life. Whether I was drinking my morning tea, walking outside, or having a conversation, I felt more engaged and aware. My mind didn’t constantly jump to my to-do list or replay past discussions.

If you have read my post, “My Journey From Nursing to Slow Living: How Slowness and Creativity Transformed My Life,” you will know that I like to try to be more present consciously. This gave me the edge to do it without reminding myself so much.

I hear the birds sing louder than ever; I must not have been listening before. 

Stress and Anxiety Decreased

Before the challenge, I felt overwhelmed by small things. Meditation helped me step back and respond instead of react. I am patient, but let’s be honest: we can’t always be calm in every situation.

I have become even more patient and less likely to spiral and stress over things I can’t control, and I feel inner peace has settled within my body and mind.

I Created a Good Habit That Stuck

At first, I had to remind myself to meditate. I would set out my mat and journal each morning before bed. But by the end of the challenge, it had become a natural part of my day, just like brushing my teeth.

This experience taught me that small, consistent actions lead to long-term change. I absolutely love this morning ritual, and it grounds me for the day. I start the day with a calm, positive mindset and am ready for any mini-stressors we all feel throughout the day.

Better Sleep and Relaxation

As I mentioned above, I meditated at night some days, and on those days, I noticed a massive improvement in my sleep quality.

Instead of lying awake thinking (which I do a lot), I could wind down with mindfulness meditation and fall asleep more easily.

I am now considering doing a 30-day sleep meditation challenge, too. 

Increased Self-Awareness

Meditation helped me notice my thoughts and emotions more clearly. I became more aware of negative self-talk and can now shift my mindset more easily.

During the meditations, my mind seemed to organise all my thoughts, which is helpful for someone like me, whose brain feels scrambled, and my thoughts are usually everywhere.

It is like when your mind becomes still and you can hear a higher voice, which I think people call intuition. 

How You Can Start Your Own 30-Day Meditation Challenge

If you’re curious about trying a day meditation challenge, here are some simple steps to get started:

• Start small with just 10 minutes a day. You don’t need an hour; consistency is more important. 
• Try guided meditations. Apps like Calm, Headspace, or YouTube videos can help you focus.
• Find a time that works for you. Mornings work well, but evenings or breaks during the day are great, too.
• Be patient with yourself. Your mind will wander, and that’s okay. The practice is about gently bringing your focus back.

Committing to a daily meditation practice for 30 days has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve done for my well-being. It’s incredible how just 10 minutes daily can bring clarity, peace, and presence into your life.

If you’re considering trying it, I highly recommend it; you might be surprised by how much it transforms you, too.

Would you try a 30-day meditation challenge? Let me know in the comments!

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