Meditation sounds great but I don't want to be too calm; I still have work to do and need to be productive and clear-headed.

Meditation is not only a relaxing practice, it increases focus and awareness. You will find that you are able to be more effective and productive with a daily meditation practice than without one. We often rely on stress to help us through difficult situations when a lot needs to get done. Yet, stress interferes with out ability to concentrate, to learn, and decreases our immune system - exactly what is not helpful in high-intensity times. Studies have shown that meditation increases creativity and improves perception and recall. But try it for yourself and see how meditation affects you.

How often should I meditate?

Less important than the amount of time per day is your commitment to continuing a consistent practice. You will find that even 10 minutes of meditation per day will have tremendous benefits for you. Many of the studies that showed positive benefits of meditation have occured over 8 weeks with participants meditating for an hour, 2 to 3 times a week. So, either meditate daily for 10-15 minutes or meditate 2 to 3 times a week for 25-30 minutes.

I tried to meditate and it really doesn't work. I can't stop my mind from thinking about something.

If you were to train for a race when you had never run before, would you be surprised that you had little endurance? Meditation is like any art or sport; it takes time and practice to improve. Keep practicing and you will definitely get better. You may also want to try another meditation practice.

I start meditating but then I worry whether I'm doing the meditation correctly.

Worrying about whether you are meditating correctly is like getting a Swedish massage and worrying whether you should have gotten an Ayurvedic massage instead. Stop worrying! If you are creating gaps between thoughts or are noticing your thoughts and not getting caught up in them then you are doing fine. If you have detailed questions, you can post those in the meditation forum.

My friends and family are going to think it's weird that I meditate.

Meditation is simply our body's natural relaxed state. What is weird is that we live constantly in a stressed and frantic manner.

Should I breath through my nose or my mouth?

In most exercises, you can breath through your nose. Bamboo breathing is more effective when you breath out through your mouth, as you are able to contract your stomach to a great extent.

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