We sat down with Tanya to talk all things meditation, life, and what "Effortless" really means.

Q: Hey Tanya! So, what’s the story behind Effortless Department?

Tanya: Well, it all started because I felt like I had too many tabs open in my brain - like, a ridiculous amount. We’re all used to being plugged in 24/7, so I think it’s come to the point where we have to actually ‘schedule-in’ time to slow down.

Learning to meditate has been the most profound thing I’ve ever done. It didn’t just calm the noise; it made me see everything differently—myself, my relationships, even the messiness of life.

Having worked in corporate communications and employee experience in some of Australia’s biggest organisations, I’ve had a strong focus on advocating for employee wellbeing and shaping company culture.

So, once I finally ‘got’ meditation after 10 years of trying all sorts of random recordings on YouTube, I knew this practice could make the world a better place if only it became as common as brushing your teeth.

I thought, what if I created a ‘department’ – just like your IT or finance department, that’s solely focused on helping employees find their inner calm in a way that doesn’t feel like a chore or an obligation. 

And that’s how Effortless Department was born - meditation that’s accessible, easy, and, well, Effortless.

Q: What makes Effortless Dept. different from other meditation programs?

Tanya: There’s no chanting, no sitting cross-legged on a mountain (laughs) unless you really want to. The Effortless ethos is about offering a meditation style that anyone can do whenever, wherever, without the need for technology. 

It’s not about escaping modern life, it’s about finding moments of calm amidst the chaos. 

We’re here to make meditation feel like slipping on your trackies after a hard day’s work - not some mystical, out-of-reach practice. When we were planning what we wanted the brand to say, we thought, it’s as easy as eating the last chip... We want to make meditation as easy as possible so as many people as possible can feel and collectively experience the benefits.

Things that are good for you should feel good too - and that’s what Effortless Meditation provides.

Q: What’s the best thing about meditation for you?

Tanya: The inner calm is huge, of course, but the best part? The self-awareness.

Meditation taught me that it’s not about eliminating the stressful things in our lives, it’s about rewiring our brains, so we no longer see them as stressful in the first place!

As you meditate more often, you begin to regulate your nervous system, and you become more in tune with the body/mind connection. Giving yourself a moment to slow down, you naturally begin to notice your behavioural patterns while at the same time, you become better at separating yourself from your emotions.

Meditation gave me a window into understanding myself and those around me better – probably the single most helpful thing you could ever learn!

Q: What do you say to people who think they “can’t meditate”?

Tanya: Oh, I hear this one all the time: “I can't meditate, my mind just won’t stop.” Spoiler alert - no one’s brain stops! 

Meditation isn’t about clearing your mind; it’s about noticing the mess and becoming OK with it. Letting your thoughts roam and gently guiding them back—that’s the magic. You don't need a Zen garden or a guru; you just need a few minutes and a bit of curiosity.

Q: We hear you’re all about community. Why is that important to you?

Tanya: Absolutely. The world can feel pretty disconnected sometimes, especially in the hybrid working environment, but meditation has this way of bringing people together. Whether it’s a group session, a casual chat, or just knowing others are on the same journey, it’s all about connection and uncovering how we are all in essence, the same. 

At Effortless Department, we’re not just teaching meditation - we’re creating a space where people feel supported by their peers and workplace.

We also do community sessions every now and then - so keep your eyes peeled on socials!

Q: Why does Effortless Dept. work with companies? What’s the business case for it?

Tanya: Great question! Honestly, corporate wellbeing isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore—it’s essential. When employees are stressed out, disconnected and overwhelmed, it affects everything: team cohesion, productivity, creativity, and of course retention. Meditation is a game changer because it’s a simple, cost-effective way to boost mental health, improve focus, and build resilience across the board.

Think of it this way: happier, less-stressed people are better collaborators. They’re more creative, they make better decisions, and they’re more motivated. It’s like giving everyone a mental restart button that makes them more effective and engaged in their work. 

And let’s not forget the bigger picture—more companies are taking Corporate Social Responsibility seriously. There’s now an understanding of the important role businesses play in creating a healthy societal culture. By supporting mental health and providing tools for resilience, companies are able to genuinely care for their people and help make the world a better place.

And at the end of the day, people notice when their workplace invests in them as human beings, not just as workers. It creates loyalty, it fosters a culture of support, and it’s simply the right thing to do. Meditation for teams isn’t just about reducing stress; it’s about creating a space where people feel valued, connected, and capable of doing their best work. That's what we’re here for. 

Q: Do you have any advice for someone starting out with Effortless Meditation?

Tanya: If you’re trying it without an instructor, just keep it simple. Start with 5 minutes—set a timer (I love the timer function on the Insight Timer app for this), find a comfy spot, close your eyes, and just focus on your breath. Don’t overthink it. Don’t TRY to do anything. If your mind drifts, that’s totally fine, just come back to your breath when you drift.

Think of meditation like a mental vacation—there’s no right or wrong way to relax. The fact that you showed up is all you need to do.

Q: Last question—what does “Effortless” mean to you?

Tanya: Effortless means letting go of all the rules we, and society, have put on ourselves. It means accepting the chaos, the imperfections, and just allowing ourselves to be as we are, right here, right now.

Meditation doesn’t have to be perfect, and neither do we. And honestly, isn’t that the most freeing thing? The funny thing is, the more we practice Effortlessness, the more we get out of life! You really have to experience it for yourself though, and when you get it, you get it!

Ready to join Tanya on the Effortless path?

Take a deep breath, download the 101 Guide, and see what happens when meditation becomes less meh!