When is the best time to meditate?
Both science and long-standing practice have proved that meditation has many benefits on our mental and physical health. Meditation helps reduce stress and anxiety and ease depression symptoms. It can improve concentration and sleep and may lower our blood pressure and physical pain. However, in order to effectively benefit from the practice, may people struggle to find the best time to meditate.
However, many people that regularly practice meditation want to know when the best time of the day to meditate is. According to experts, the best time to meditate varies from person to person, depending on individual needs and daily schedule.
However, there are some general guidelines about when is the best time to meditate – and when not.
Early Morning
A lot of people that practice meditation say they love meditating as soon as they wake up. For many of us, early mornings are the quietest part of the day. Thus it’s a good idea to match the quiet time of your day with the serene activ
ity of meditating. In addition, many don’t find early mornings as the best time of the day for making decisions or taking actions. So the best thing to do at the beginning of the day is to meditate. Meditation will set the mood for the rest of your day – it will boost your energy and confidence and help you move with your day energized.
During your Lunchbreak
Lunchtime can be a great time of the day for your meditation. A mid-day meditation can help release stress, boost your energy and help you continue your day refreshed. By breaking your normal pattern of thinking, lunchtime meditation can enhance your focus and productivity. Additionally, mindful meditation will allow you to be more open-minded and emotionally fit.
At the End of your Workday
Meditating at the end of your workday is an ideal transition between work and home that helps separate work from your private life. End of the workday meditation can prevent work thoughts to run into the rest of your day, generating additional stress.
When you Feel Stressed
As-needed meditation is a helpful tool to ease the stress throughout the day. Whenever you feel overwhelmed or drained, stop for a few minutes, find a quiet place and meditate. Meditation can help you feel more relaxed, settle down and think clearly.
When to avoid Meditation?
Meditation is a great tool if you want to feel relaxed, composed, and focused. However, both experts and people who regularly practice meditation are unified in the view that for some people not every part of the day is equally good to meditate.
Right before Bedtime
Meditation experts often stress that after work is a much better time to meditate than right before bed. Some people find meditation energizing – in meditation, we’re practicing to stay fully awake. Thus, meditation before bedtime may disrupt your sleep patterns. Other people find that if they meditate close to bedtime, they will simply fall asleep. The early evening time after you get home from work may be a better time to meditate.
Related article: Having trouble falling asleep while meditating?
We are all different. The best time of the day to meditate depends on our individual needs and our daily schedule. Yet, whenever you decide the best time to meditate is, you can be sure that making meditation your daily habit will benefit your health in many ways.
