Meditation has become a popular subject on self-improvement podcasts, corporate strategy days and health campaigns. But beyond the buzz, there's a growing scientific and clinical interest in meditation as a tool to regulate attention and promote relaxation . These are increasingly recognised as central to wellbeing in a world of constant notifications, high demands and information overload.
Author
- Jennifer Donnelly
Doctoral Researcher, Meditation-based Interventions in Clinical Settings, Centre of Positive Health Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
Mantra meditation has roots in ancient contemplative traditions across many cultures. At its simplest, a mantra is a word, phrase, or sound repeated silently or aloud to focus the mind, steady attention and support relaxation. Depending on the tradition, mantras may carry deep spiritual, linguistic or energetic significance. But in a more personal or secular practice, you might choose or create a mantra that's meaningful only to you.
It's important to note that mantra meditation is distinct from focusing on breathing. While both help develop concentration and awareness, the mantra, not the breath, is the primary anchor of attention in mantra meditation. You may notice the breathing naturally while meditating, but the repetition of the mantra is what gently draws your mind back when it wanders.
Emerging research suggests that mantra meditation may have promising benefits , from reducing stress and burnout to improving mood, focus and sleep. Focusing on a mantra to disengage from an overactive mind can be a valuable tool in today's fast-paced world.
Mantra meditations moments
A simple starting point is to choose a phrase that resonates with you, something easy to remember and calming. For example: "I am … here now." Or a word like "ease" or "peace". Some people visualise a calming image, like a steady tree or a gentle wave, repeating it silently in their mind. The key is to return to your chosen anchor, your mantra, each time your mind drifts.
You don't need a special cushion, app or ritual. Below are five everyday moments when you can try this light mantra-practice:
• On public transport: Use a few minutes of your commute to mentally repeat your mantra. The surrounding noise and movement can actually enhance the practice. When your mind wanders, which it will, gently return to your anchor.
• While brushing your teeth: This brief, repetitive activity is already part of your day. Use the rhythm of brushing as a cue to repeat your mantra internally.
• During your first sips of tea or coffee: Let this be a pause point. Breathe naturally. Repeat your chosen phrase. Even a few seconds of presence can shift the tone of your morning.
• Instead of scrolling: Replace one moment of habitual phone use with one minute of mantra repetition. Notice the impulse to scroll, and meet it with your mantra instead. You can scroll later if you want; the point is to notice the choice.
• Before stepping out of the car: Pause for 30-60 seconds before entering a new environment, whether that's work, home or a social setting. This brief ritual can be a surprisingly powerful reset when transitioning to a new destination or activity.
Longer sessions may deepen the effects, but short, consistent moments of practice are what build tolerance and insight. Meditation doesn't always begin with peace. More often, it starts with the uncomfortable awareness of how distracted our thoughts can become. That moment of noticing is not a failure, it's the practice.
For parents, especially those with young children , meditation might feel unrealistic. But mantra practice can be adapted. Children often respond well to repetitive, rhythmic exercises . Try counting fingers together, repeating a calming phrase, or simply taking three breaths. It might not look like traditional meditation, but it can still create a shared moment of calm.
For those living with chronic pain , health challenges or intense life transitions, meditation can sometimes make discomfort feel more present. In such cases, stillness might initially increase distress.
Some research confirms that meditation can have uncomfortable or adverse effects , and distraction may be necessary at times. Even so, carefully introduced mantra meditation techniques or similar practices may support people living with chronic conditions by helping shift how discomfort is experienced, if approached with care, and suitable supports are offered.
Mantra meditation isn't about perfect focus, or fixing all our problems. Its strength lies in offering you a portable, repeatable practice to build awareness, one moment at a time.
So before you move on after reading, try this: take 30 seconds, close your eyes, and return to your mantra. Just for now.
Jennifer Donnelly does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
