Deep relaxation and sleep tend to go hand in hand. While many people get into the zone while meditating, many others struggle to maintain consciousness, let alone reach an elevated state. While it might seem difficult, it is possible to earn to focus your thoughts, connect with your mind and body and have a truly calming - and sleep-free - experience.
Prepare Yourself
Meditate at times during which your body is the most alert. If you are already feeling a bit sleepy, chances are you'll doze off during what is supposed to be your spiritual session. The more energized you are, the more you can concentrate and connect with your deepest thoughts.
Don't eat right before meditation. A full stomach will distract serve as both a mental and physical distraction. Wait at least a couple hours after eating before you attempt meditation, unless you are trying to put yourself to bed.
Lying down or being in a prose position seriously increases your chances of napping more than you meditate. Sit upright on the floor cross-legged or sit on a straight-backed chair or couch.
Be sure that you aren't too distracted. Meditation is a great way to release your mind from stresses and worries, even if you have to go back to them after meditation is over, but don't rush a session when you have a project for school or work due in a few hours. You're only going to be busy thinking about those pressing matters. Similarly, don't meditate if you are so hungry you'll only be thinking about food, so sick you'll distract yourself with the need for a tissue and so on.
Try doing Hatha yoga poses before meditation. You will already be in a relaxed state, but still energized enough to not fall asleep. Pranayama breathing exercises during yoga will help you to focus during meditation; you can smoothly transition from yoga poses to meditation while keeping the concentrated breathing pattern.
During Meditation
Concentrating on breathing is the best way to keep from snoozing during meditation. Start with quick inhalations through your nose, and then focus your attention on the act of breathing in and out. Associate one word with breathing in, another with breathing out.
Clear your mind by thinking about the idea of blankness or, if that doesn't work, a color. If you find yourself getting distracted or becoming tired, refocus on your breathing. The steady repetition and pattern will keep your mind focused and fresh, ensuring a complete meditation experience void of unexpected slumber.
 | Whether you go it alone, join a meditation group or work with a teacher, there are many benefits of meditation like helping reduce stress, lowering your blood pressure and improving your outlook on life. |
 | The objective of Zen meditation is to quiet the mind and facilitate a deeper understanding of one's inner self. |
 | The effects of meditation on the mind are now, through recent studies, revealing that those who meditate really do have keener focus, better recall and even improved immunity against disease and depression. |
Zen Buddhism and Meditation Zen Buddhists place an emphasis on learning about the nature of human existence and learning to cope with it. It may be hard at times to live in this difficult world but Buddhists try to accept the world for what it is. |
Many people have discovered the benefits of meditation in general. It helps to lower the blood pressure, and can relieve stress and hypertension. Additionally, meditation can help you prepare your mind for the day, leaving you better able to think alertly and absorb new information. |
