Breathe deeper. Feel better. Live well.
At Functional Medicine Los Angeles, we’re all about finding what helps you feel your best—body, mind, and spirit. And if you’ve dipped your toes into meditation (or even if you’re knee-deep already), you know there’s something powerful about sitting still and tuning in. But what if you feel stuck? Or like your mind won’t stop buzzing no matter how many times you try to “just breathe”?
Let’s talk about ways to deepen your meditation practice—without pressure, without perfection, and in harmony with your natural rhythm.
- Start Where You Are (No Pressure)
Meditation doesn’t have to look like sitting cross-legged for an hour in silence. Some days, five mindful minutes while sipping your tea might be exactly what your nervous system needs. Give yourself permission to show up as you are—and let that be enough.
Pro Tip From Our Practice: Pair your meditation with an herbal adaptogen tea to help calm cortisol and reduce stress naturally.
- Create a Simple Ritual
Your brain loves cues. Light a candle. Roll on some lavender essential oil. Set the same lo-fi playlist. Doing the same small things before meditation tells your body, “Hey, we’re entering the calm zone now.”
This routine isn’t just relaxing—it helps train your nervous system over time to shift into rest mode more easily.
- Try Breathwork First
Struggling with a racing mind? That’s where breathwork comes in. Even 3 minutes of deep diaphragmatic breathing can prep your body for a deeper meditative state. At Functional Medicine Los Angeles, we often guide patients through gentle breathwork to help with everything from anxiety to functional medicine digestion in Los Angeles.
Try This: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 6. Repeat 5 times before you start meditating.
- Let Nature Support You
There’s a reason outdoor meditation feels extra powerful. Nature doesn’t rush. It just is. If you’re in LA, step out into your backyard, the beach, or even a quiet corner of a park. Let sunlight and fresh air become part of your practice. Bonus: Nature helps regulate cortisol levels and supports better sleep—things we’re always aiming to optimize for our patients.
- Personalize Your Practice
Not everyone vibes with guided meditations. Some love movement-based mindfulness like tai chi or walking meditations. Others prefer mantra repetition or silence. We’re all built differently—and that’s the beauty of Functional Medicine. Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are.
- Connect Mind & Body With Functional Tools
Sometimes, what’s keeping your mind restless is rooted in your biology. Gut imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and blood sugar swings—they all play a role in mental clarity and calmness.
That’s where Functional Medicine comes in. At our Los Angeles practice, we help you uncover those hidden imbalances that may be blocking your progress—not just in meditation, but in energy, focus, and sleep, too.
- Practice, Don’t Perfect
No one gets a gold medal in meditation. (And if they did, we’d all lose it trying to “win at relaxing.”) Progress happens quietly, gradually. One breath at a time. One peaceful pause at a time. And every single time you show up, even if it’s messy—you’re rewiring your brain and nurturing your nervous system.
Your meditation practice isn’t separate from your wellness journey—it’s a powerful part of it. Whether you’re meditating to reduce stress, connect more deeply with yourself, or just find a little peace in your day, know that it’s worth it.
Need more guidance?
In a Functional Medicine Los Angeles approach, we support mind-body wellness through personalized care plans, integrative tools, and whole-person healing. Let’s go deeper—together.