8 Types of Meditation to Find Your Calm

Meditation isn’t one-size-fits-all. Different styles suit different people. This guide walks you through 8 popular ways to meditate, how each works, and which might fit you best for calming the mind and reducing stress. Why Trying Different Meditation Styles Helps •Everyone’s mind and stress level is different , a style that feels calming for one person may feel frustrating for another •Some meditations are still and quiet; others involve movement, visualization, or sound, variety helps you find what really relaxes you •Consistency matters more than perfection; you’ll stick more to a style you enjoy 8 Types of Meditation to Try Mindfulness Meditation •Sit quietly, focus on breath, notice thoughts without judging them •Practice being present with everyday activities, like walking or eating mindfully •Helps with stress reduction, and strengthens focus and awareness Spiritual Meditation •Connect with meaning, purpose, or beliefs you feel in your life •Techniques may include silent prayer, chanting, or devotional phrases •Good if you want deeper sense of connection or spiritual peace Focused Meditation •Pick an object, sound, phrase, or point to concentrate on •When the mind wanders, gently bring it back to the focus •Develops mental discipline and reduces distractibility Movement Meditation •Meditation while in motion: walking, gentle yoga, tai chi or simple movement patterns •Focus on how movement feels rather than thinking about it •Useful if sitting still is hard or you want meditation + mild physical activity Transcendental Meditation (TM) •Involves repeating a mantra silently to settle the mind •Typically practiced for short periods two times a day in some traditions •Helps to promote deep relaxation and mental clarity Guided Meditation •Follow instructions from a guide (live, audio, or video) who helps you with imagery, body scans, or visualization •Helpful if new to meditation or if you prefer structure or someone leading you Vipassana Meditation •Focus on observing your thoughts, feelings, body sensations without judgment or reaction •Goal is to increase awareness, self-acceptance, and to respond more thoughtfully in life Visualization Meditation •Use your imagination to picture a calm or peaceful place, or desired outcome or goal •Can include imagining scenes, sounds, senses to calm the mind •Useful for relaxation, stress management, improving mood or even performance (e.g. sports, study, creativity) How to Choose and Start a Meditation Type That Suits You •Try short sessions first — even 5 minutes to see how it feels •Start with something you think might appeal most (movement, visual, spiritual, silence) and see if it gives peace or comfort •Observe how your body and mind respond — do you feel calmer, more focused, or more agitated after trying one style? •Allow flexibility: you might use different styles on different days, depending on mood or stress Benefits You May Notice •Lower stress, less anxiety •Improved concentration and clarity of thought •Better emotional regulation — more peace with everyday ups and downs •A more stable mood, sometimes better sleep •Greater self-awareness and calmness with your thoughts Final Thoughts There’s no “best” meditation style — only what works for you. The more you experiment, the more likely you are to find a way that you stick with. Consistency, small daily effort, and choosing a practice that feels comfortable are the keys. Even a few minutes each day can add up to much more calm and clarity over time.