Despite all the studies that show that meditation helps to be more mindful and less stressed, I can't help thinking that perhaps the most important part of regular meditation is having time to actively relax, alone and without distraction.
On the other hand, it doesn't really matter. Much of meditation is conscious relaxation.
@koos To add to my other reply, meditation isn't one specific technique! The way I meditate is probably different than how you meditate. It's more about (like you mentioned) time to be alone, distraction free, and able to relax. That is definitely important.
But don't think because you aren't conventionally meditating, that it isn't meditation! You don't have to follow an apps guidance, or do it exactly how your Buddhist friends does it!
Meditation is for yourself, not others 🤙
@koos yes meditation is more focusing of ridding yourself of stressors and clearing your mind. Relaxing definitely isn't the same thing, agreed.
@s02303947 sure I also think that it is in many ways a very subjective activity and of course there at many techniques. That said, I think it is helpful to recognize a difference in relaxing and meditation. I find that meditation requires more effort, so I hope it has benefits over *just* relaxing.