There are so many ways to meditate. Its not a one-size-fits-all thing so basically it is a way you find where you can calm your body and mind. I sit in a comfortable position and pick some random, one-sylable word or sound and repeat it over and over with my eyes closed. Many people just focus in on thier breathing, but the word or sound helps me focus on my breathing - I make the sound or word as I breath out and it keeps me at a steady pace. If I just try to focus on my breathing my mind wanders too much. A little wandering is fine but the focus is what calms you most. Do this for about 20 min before class and you will feel so refreshed. It takes some getting used to but it'll work eventually. Also, make sure to set an alarm... even though you are not asleep you do not want to keep breaking the meditation to see what time it is AND don't use a timer that ticks... it will only get in the way of your focus! I tell you, it got me through a lot!!!

If that doesn't work for you, do you have an animal in your life that enjoys just quietly being pet? At school (I went to a school for zoo keepers/exotic animal trainers) there was a Galapagos giant tortoise who could sit for hours having his neck scratched. Its like he would go into a trance. An hour before a major test I would sit by him and just quietly scratch him... that was very relaxing too!