You’ve decided to launch into a meditation journey. Congrats! But now, you want to optimize the results of the practice by doing it at the best possible time of the day.
The truth is, however, there is no best time to meditate. Are there points in the day where meditation has some added benefits? Sure. But the best time to meditate is whenever you’re able to truly destress and find awareness in the present moment. However, if you still want to know what time of day is best for getting the most out of the practice, we’ve got you covered.
Stay with us as we break down five different points of the day that are prime for meditation and why.
Morning Meditation
Morning meditation is great for a number of reasons. Besides lowering the naturally high cortisol levels we have in the morning, morning meditation is an excellent way to start the day with a level of calmness and focus that allows you to handle anything that comes your way.
Additionally, morning meditation is fantastic if you’re looking to build a habit of the practice. If you hold yourself accountable to meditating right after you wake up every morning, you’re more likely to be ritualistic about the habit, and repeat it day after day.
By meditating before the distractions of the day arise, you’re more likely to be prepared for those distractions and get into the habit of meditating regularly.
The Lunch Break Meditation
If you’ve had a particularly hectic morning, then a lunch break meditation may be exactly what you need to unwind. Just taking five or so minutes to unwind around lunchtime is perfect for destressing after the morning rush and getting your mind right for the remainder of the day.
Additionally, a lunchtime meditation can give you the boost you need to avoid burnout late in the day. If you find yourself losing energy around 3:00 or 4:00 each day, then it might be time to implement a lunchtime meditation into your daily routine.
The “Mini-Meditation”
Sometimes, stress sneaks up on us when we’re unprepared, but that doesn’t mean we have to let it overtake us. A “mini-meditation” is a tactic that involves dedicating a small amount of time to meditation when you feel stress coming on. This can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths or stepping outside to close your eyes for a moment.
The “mini-meditation” let us get ahead of anxious thoughts and prepare for stressful situations. Whether it’s before a big meeting or first date, a “mini-meditation” might be the perfect remedy for you to reduce stress.
The Post-Workout Meditation
You’ve just finished a hard workout and your heart is pounding and you’re dripping sweat. The next step is to…meditate? As strange as it sounds, experts say there are a number of physical benefits of meditation after working out.
Meditation reduces your stress levels, which can help with recovery and reduce your chance of injury. Additionally, with the emphasis that meditation puts on breathing, the practice can improve stamina and endurance. Not only does meditation offer mental refreshment, but you might also just find a second wind on your next big run.
The Bedtime Meditation
A bedtime meditation is an incredibly effective way to unwind and reflect on the day. Meditation can additionally increase melatonin which can lead to better and healthier sleep.
Since meditation also lowers your heart rate and blood pressure, you can go to bed fully relaxed. Also, like in the morning, committing to meditation right before bed is another great way to build up the practice as a habit over time. You can even add it to your nightly self-care routine.
Now that you know the benefits of meditation at different times, you’re ready to leap into your meditation journey. Check out this infographic from Ness that nicely surmises these different benefits.
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