I've meditated on and off for years and always feel better when I'm doing it regularly.

Back in September 2021 I felt it was something I'd really benefit from committing to consistently. So I set a target of meditating for 150 straight days (my previous best had been almost 100). I knew making this commitment and having that goal would motivate me to keep showing up.

Unfortunately I was just 3 days short of hitting my 150 day target and I missed a day – streak gone!

But before I had a chance to dwell on it, I just jumped straight into another meditation. Yes the streak was the motivator, but it was about the meditations, not the streak. I'm back on the road to 150 again!

Chasing the streak has really helped me establish the habit again.

I used the Headspace app and some days I did 10 minute meditations, others it was 4-5 minutes and there even days where I just did a minute. But knowing I could just do a minute helped make it feasible to keep it going everyday. And on the busiest days, just sitting for one minute was helpful.

Here's how I benefited from 147 days of meditation:

I've felt more in control of my emotions. There's a Viktor Frankl quote, "Between stimulus and response lies a space. In that space lie our freedom and power to choose a response." Meditating allows me more time in that space and I'm less reactive as a result.

Though it's a constant battle, I've definitely felt more present. I've felt more able to engage fully in whatever I'm doing. Whether that's working or watching a film.

And I've felt more comfortable in silence. I've been actively seeking it more and not looking to fill every moment with noise and productivity. I now often prefer not to listen to anything when I'm walking – no podcasts or audiobooks – just listening to nature and being comfortable in my thoughts.

If you've meditated regularly, what are the biggest benefits you've noticed to your health, wellbeing and performance?