Discover the best times of the day to meditate as well as tips on how to maximize its benefits!
Regular meditation is a great way to tap into your drive, strength, and focus as well as find relief from anxiety and stress. But, despite general awareness of the benefits of meditation, many still find it difficult to make time for it! While the best time to meditate is oftentimes “whenever you can!” we’ve put this blog together to help you find the best meditation times to maximize its benefits.
When Is the Best Time to Meditate?
You should meditate whenever it fits into your schedule, but there are ideal times to meditate when you may gain more advantages:
First Thing in the Morning
Starting the day with some quiet reflection in meditation can be a good way to create a positive mood. As simple as it sounds, sometimes the quiet of the early morning is the best time to meditate because there are fewer distractions.
Meditation’s benefits can be felt immediately, even after only five minutes, so setting aside some time each morning is a good idea. Improved memory, focus, and emotional control are just some benefits linked to regular, brief meditation sessions. Morning meditation can help you keep a calm and optimistic outlook, which will serve you well as you face the challenges of the day.
During Lunch Break
Even though morning and evening are the most common times for meditators to practice, taking a few minutes to relax and reflect around lunch can be extremely beneficial. Meditating at midday is a great way to relax and recharge, whether at the office, school, or home. In addition, it helps stretch out the muscles you use at your desk. Even short breaks during the day can have a positive impact.
After a Hard Day’s Work
Meditation is a great way to unwind and refresh after a long day, so much so that some people wait until they get home after work to do it. It’s an excellent technique to calm the mind and body after a long day on the job, whether it be mental or physical stress.
Also, when you meditate after work, you establish a distinct line between your busy professional life and your quiet personal one. Having dedicated “me” time on a regular basis allows you to disconnect from work and devote more energy to the people and activities that truly matter to you.
Later During the Evening
Meditating at the end of the day is a great way to unwind and get ready for a restful slumber. If you have difficulties sleeping or lie awake at night thinking about the day’s events, sleep meditation may help. Ten to twenty minutes of meditation before bedtime can make a difference. You can also try listening to a guided meditation or focusing on deep breathing to help you unwind and nod off.
Whenever Possible
Whenever you find the time is the best time for meditating. Although there may be ideal periods for meditation, what’s most important is to establish a routine that suits you and stick to it.
It takes patience and perseverance to form a new habit. Choosing a convenient time can help you stay on track. If you know that mornings are a bad time for you to meditate, try doing it during your lunch break or right before bed. A new routine is more likely to stick if you give it more time.
If you find it challenging to meditate in the comfort of your own home, listening to some meditative sounds while you commute to work helps you focus your attention and calm your mind. You may also find 10-minute meditations on Healium’s iPhone app and Android mobile app that you can practice whenever and wherever you like.
How To Improve Your Meditation Sessions
It’s crucial to lay a solid groundwork before venturing into unfamiliar territory, such as learning how to meditate. Knowing the best time to meditate is essential, as is learning how to meditate.
Here are a few meditation guidelines to get you started on the right foot:
– Find a quiet place for reflection: For beginners, it is important that you meditate in a quiet environment without any distractions. Turn off your phone, computer, and other electronic devices that can disturb your peace of mind once you’ve settled into your designated peaceful area.
– Fix your body posture: While there may not be any rules on how to meditate, the right posture is crucial. Put your feet flat on the floor, sit straight on the edge of a chair or bed, or get a meditation cushion so your energy can flow freely up your spine.
– Take it easy for a while: In time, you will become more skilled at meditation. Intense feelings of unease and restlessness are common among beginners. Eventually, you’ll develop the ability to control these emotions and prevent them from dominating your thoughts. The key is to take things slowly at first and gradually increase the time spent on the activity as your comfort level increases.
– Maintain a daily meditation schedule: Put aside time in your schedule at roughly the same time every day and give yourself a firm commitment to actually doing the meditation.
– Meditate while walking: Take a walk while meditating as your practice improves. Begin by going for a 15-minute stroll. Pay attention to your breathing, the sound of your footsteps, and the environment. If you find your thoughts drifting, pick one of these sensations to bring your attention back. Doing so will help you regain balance.
– Utilize new meditation advances: Meditation is a practice that spans thousands of years, and we’re finding more and more ways to maximize its benefits. One such advance is the advent of immersive media and virtual reality, which fully immerses you into the peaceful experience. Furthermore, tracking your brainwave data with neurofeedback devices grants you agency to tailor your meditations to drive certain improvements with your brainwave patterns.
Learn more about how neurofeedback and meditation intersect here!
