If you're not completely convinced about the benefits of stress relief meditation, there are some things you might want to consider about this practice in order to have a better opinion.  Some assume that any form of meditation means something spiritual or religious or that it's simply a nonsensical repetition of gibberish.  In reality many use different forms of stress relief meditation to help themselves relax, unwind, de-stress, and feel better overall.  Let's take a look at some quick tips for stress relief meditation and how it can work for you.

First of all for any type of meditation to work you'll need a quiet and uninterrupted place that's also comfortable for you.  Many find that stress relief meditation works best in the bedroom where they can have some privacy; it might be best to start after the kids are in bed and the spouse or partner is occupied with something else.  Tune out all background noises except perhaps some relaxing music, preferably something instrumental so that you're not bothered by lyrics to any sound.  If you're interrupted while trying to enjoy some stress relief meditation this is just as annoying as the thing giving you stress!  So make sure everyone in the family knows not to interrupt you - hang a homemade "do not disturb" sign on your door if necessary, or just let everyone know not to interrupt when the door is closed.

When you're ready for your stress relief meditation session you may be wondering what meditation actually means; it's much more than just sitting quietly.  To meditate means to think seriously and purposely about any particular thought; it doesn't mean for your mind to just wander aimlessly.  Think of something positive that makes you happy and calm.  This might mean upcoming plans for a vacation or retirement, your grandchildren, a job you love, or anything else that makes you happy.  If you're religiously inclined it can mean thoughts about god or your own spirituality, but for others it can mean anything positive and encouraging.  Stress relief meditation involves thinking seriously and purposely about these things so that negative thoughts are crowded out, and so that you can be reminded how your life is much more than whatever it is that's giving you stress.  You can't always remove the circumstances that are stressful and that give you tension but you can remind yourself that these things are just a part of your life, not your entire life.  The entire purpose of stress relief meditation is to help your mind to refocus and to practice shutting out or shutting down negative thoughts and impulses. 

You don't need a lot of time set aside for stress relief meditation to work.  Five or ten minutes of meditation can be very effective, if you make sure to do it on a regular basis.  Just make sure you're not interrupted and your environment is quiet, and that you're concentrating on something positive, and you will feel the benefits almost immediately.