Too Restless to Meditate? Here’s What You Can Do Instead

Living with Purpose

In this episode, we dive into the challenges faced by those who feel too restless for traditional meditation practices. Inspired by a recent question from a workshop attendee, I explore how high-energy personalities and those who struggle with restlessness can still cultivate mindfulness and self-awareness without having to sit in stillness. We often think meditation is the only way to build resilience and manage stress, but that’s not true for everyone. I share personal insights from my own experience, including how I found it difficult to meditate and what alternative methods I used to stay connected and present. You'll learn about the deeper reasons for restlessness, such as avoiding uncomfortable emotions and childhood conditioning. We'll also touch on the role of dopamine and how overstimulation from social media and modern life can amplify feelings of discontentment. If you find sitting in meditation too difficult, don’t worry — I offer several other tools, including mindful movement, yoga, and even chanting, that can help you find balance without the pressure to "just sit still." Key Topics: Restlessness and Personality Types: - Why some of us are more prone to restlessness? - The impact of childhood experiences and emotional avoidance. - The link between restlessness, dopamine, and overstimulation from our fast-paced world. Restlessness and Emotions: - How restlessness can stem from avoiding deeper emotions like sadness, guilt, or shame. - The feeling of being pulled in many directions without fully being present. Alternative Mindfulness Practices: - Mindful movement like yoga, tai chi, and mindful walking. - The power of chanting and how it provides an active form of mindfulness. - How guided meditations can be a great starting point for those who struggle with stillness. Dopamine and Restlessness: - How dopamine fuels our restlessness and the role of modern technology in overstimulating our reward systems. - The addictive loop of seeking constant stimulation and why it depletes our sense of contentment. Practical Takeaways: Short meditations: Starting with bite-sized practices (just 3–5 minutes) can help ease you into mindfulness. Mindful movement: Engaging in activities like yoga or walking can be an entry point to presence without the pressure to sit still. Tuning into your senses: A simple walk in nature while focusing on the sounds, sights, and smells around you can be just as powerful as meditation. Be kind to yourself: If meditation feels challenging, know that there are other ways to cultivate mindfulness that align better with your energy. Join the Conversation: If this resonates with you, or if you have a restless part of yourself that you're working with, I’d love to hear from you. What’s been working for you? Are there practices that help you feel grounded when sitting in meditation feels like too much? Share your experience with me on social media or in the comments section. Here is the link for the Journaling Questions mentioned on the show. https://www.simonedenny.me/21-Day-Journalling-Challenge Connect with me: www.simonedenny.me facebook.com/simonedennycoaching instagram.com/simonedennycoaching [e-mail] Join the waitlist membership community, The Hatchery, for ongoing growth and support. https://www.simonedenny.me/the-hatchery-waitlist Join the waitlist for my Living with Purpose program for more tools to find alignment and fulfilment. https://www.simonedenny.me/living-with-purpose