Finding Calm: The Benefits of Guided Meditation

When we talk about mental health, the focus is often on what we can do to feel better — get more exercise, talk to someone, stay connected. These are all valuable steps. But sometimes, it’s not about doing more. Sometimes, it’s about being still — and allowing your mind and body a moment of calm.

At Collectively Diverse C.I.C., we often mention tools and strategies for mental health that work in everyday life. One of the tools that’s made a real difference to me personally — and that we have started sharing on our Free Resources page — is guided meditation.

As someone who has always found relief through movement — particularly sport — I didn’t think meditation was something I’d connect with. In fact, for many years, physical activity was my main way of managing stress and supporting my mental health. The structure, movement and rhythm helped me regulate my emotions, especially after stepping away from more formal, competitive sport.

But recently, I realised that calming my mind is just as important as moving my body.

“It took me a long time to appreciate stillness. I thought if my mind wandered or I couldn’t sit still, I was doing it wrong. But guided meditation helped me to reinforce something I learned in my twenties - perfection doesn't exist — it’s about being honest with yourself and learning to meet your own mind with kindness.”

– Liz Day, Founder of Collectively Diverse C.I.C.

What is guided meditation?

Guided meditation simply means someone is gently talking you through the process, often helping you focus on your breath, your body, or a visual image. It’s not about clearing your mind of all thoughts (can anyone really do that completely?) — it’s about noticing when your mind wanders, acknowledging it and gently bringing it back.

It’s not self-punishment. It’s self-practice. Just like training your body through sport or movement, training your mind takes patience and repetition. The more you do it, the more familiar it becomes.

Why try guided meditation?

Research shows that even a few minutes of guided meditation can support mental wellbeing by:

• Reducing stress and anxiety

  
  

• Improving focus and sleep

  
  

• Helping regulate emotions

  
  

• Creating a pause between thoughts and reactions

  
  

• Supporting people with neurodiverse thinking styles to observe rather than be overwhelmed by their thoughts

Use it as a chance to pause, reflect, and reconnect with your inner strength. You don’t need to sit cross-legged or be completely still. You don’t need incense or silence or even a lot of time. What matters most is your willingness to show up, just as you are.

Try a guided meditation today

At Collectively Diverse, we’ve created a range of gentle guided meditations, designed to be accessible, inclusive, and calming. Whether you’re brand new to the idea or looking to reconnect with your breath, you can listen at your own pace.

Free Guided Meditations Here

A note for those who thrive through movement

If you're someone, like me, who usually needs movement to feel calm, meditation can feel unfamiliar. That’s okay. This isn’t meant to replace what works for you, but to offer something extra — a few minutes to slow down, listen inwardly, and meet your own mind with compassion.

Whether you’re stretching, breathing, walking, or simply listening, mental health matters, and you deserve tools that fit you.