I understand your situation and I think it’s the right choice for you to focus on your spiritual practice at this point.

Often the problem with japa is that devotees don’t fully grasp its significance. It is not just a rule or requirement, but rather it is your person, intimate, quality time with Lord Krishna. Successful japa does not simply mean to physically chant but rather to focus on Lord Krishna’s personal presence before us — in our heart and within His holy names. Also, we are chanting to beg the Lord for devotional service. We will experience Krishna in japa, when we please Krishna by our personal, intimate devotion to Him.