9 Simple Ways to Make Meditation More Enjoyable (So You’ll Actually Do It)

Make meditation more enjoyable with these 9 simple, creative ideas. Turn your practice into a daily ritual you actually look forward to.

Meditation doesn’t have to feel like a chore, a discipline, or a test of willpower.

It can be something you look forward to — a sensory ritual, a moment of beauty, even a small daily indulgence.

And considering the well-documented benefits of meditation — from reduced stress to clearer intuition — it makes sense to design a practice that genuinely appeals to you. When meditation feels inviting instead of obligatory, it naturally becomes a habit.

Below are nine simple ways to make meditation more enjoyable. Try one. Try all of them. Rotate them with the seasons. Let your practice evolve as you do.

And while meditation apps certainly have their place (and can be wonderfully supportive), this list focuses on phone-free inspiration. There’s something quietly powerful about beginning the day without immediately plugging into the digital current. Still — if an app keeps you consistent, that’s beautiful. The best meditation practice is the one you actually do.

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1. Inhale An Aroma

A scent can transform monotony into transcendence. That’s why starting your meditation off with a scent you love can make all the difference. Light some incense or diffuse essential oil. (Just be mindful of other people and pets.)

2. Draw a Card

Sit down, settle in, and draw a card from a deck of oracle or tarot cards.

Appreciate the image. Read the accompanying guidance in the book. Then, place the card at eye level so you can gaze at it as you sit.

As you breathe consciously and relax, continue to take in the beauty and magic of the card. Don’t analyze it. Just be with it. This will allow you to absorb its wisdom beneath your conscious awareness.

When you notice your mind wandering, don’t judge: simply bring it back.

3. Play with Prayer Beads

A string of Prayer beads (also called a mala when created in a specific form) can be a beautiful tool for focus and enjoyment.

After choosing a short affirmation or mantra, repeat it once for each bead.

Or, check out my Pagan Rosary practice here.

4. Sing a Song

With or without a guitar, try meditating by placing your attention on the sound and feeling of your very own mellifluous voice.

Singing is a form of meditation often called Kirtan. Kirtan is a specific practice with certain types of music, but you can choose a song that appeals to you.

You can also sing along to a recording or employ a drum if you prefer. Keep in mind that repetition is helpful for relaxing the body and calming the mind.

5. Hold some Crystals

Try holding a couple of crystal points  while you meditate–one in each hand.

Crystals can activate and enliven your body, mind, and spirit with their unique healing vibrations. They also provide a solid, grounding feeling; helping you align with the naturally balancing energy field of the earth.

Plus, they’re pretty, and beauty uplifts your consciousness.

Many crystals are particularly suited to meditation, such as quartz, fluorite, tourmaline, amethyst, and hematite.

6. Do an I Ching Reading

The I Ching is an extremely ancient divination tool.

It can provide deep insight into your day while lending an inspiring anchor to your meditation practice.

This is the translation I personally prefer, but there are countless. Find one that speaks to you.

If you’re not sure how to do a reading, the I Ching will coach you in the intro. It’s simple.

Once you’ve pulled your daily hexagram, read about it, contemplate it, and then meditate.

7. Listen to Music

While meditation music is great, placing your full attention on any song that you love is a form of meditation. So if you can inspire yourself to listen to your favorite songs, you can inspire yourself to meditate. Simply sit comfortably, close your eyes, and listen.

8. Cast a Rune

Runes are an ancient Germanic tool of divination. If they call to you, try getting a set or making your own.

Draw one rune before your meditation practice. Contemplate its meaning and relevance in your life right now.

Close your eyes and bring a picture of the rune to mind. Continue to hold this image in your mind as you breathe consciously.

This will help you absorb the rune’s power and wisdom while simultaneously blessing you with all the many benefits of meditation.

9. Drink Some Tea

Do you love tea? Why not make a cup of tea the focal point of your meditation?

Brew it mindfully. When you’re ready to meditate, sit comfortably and set the intention to be completely present.

Now, enjoy your tea one sip at a time. Notice the way it smells and tastes. Notice the steam, the color of the cup, the way the light is illuminating the room and the sounds in the distance.

Of course, your mind will wander, because that’s what minds do. So when you notice your mind doing that, simply bring it back to the delicious tea in your cup and the only moment there is: now.

Meditation is among the best of all habits to cultivate. It supports all aspects of your physical, mental, and emotional health. It relieves depression, anxiety, and everyday stress. And it absolutely makes your life better. So if one or more of these ideas helps you get in the meditation habit, by all means, employ it!

Did you try any of the ideas in this post to help you meditate? Or do you plan to? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.