Search results
Mar 6, 2012 · For beginners, meditating first thing in the morning, before getting busy with other things, could be easiest. When is the best time of day to meditate? According to two experts, the answer ...
- Overview
- What is the best time of day to meditate?
- Benefits of meditating in the morning
- How long should you meditate for?
- Types of morning meditation
- Tips for starting a meditation practice
- Bottom line
The benefits of meditation in the morning have less to do with meditation itself and more to do with setting the stage for the day ahead.
Meditation is an umbrella term for a variety of mental focus techniques that can help unify the body and mind. It involves aspects of concentration, relaxation, mindfulness, and emotional neutrality. For many people, it’s also a spiritual experience.
Meditation is generally viewed as a safe way to improve your overall well-being, and it may provide a number of physical and mental health benefits.
If you want to add meditation to your routine, there’s no “bad” time of day to do it, but the benefits of meditating in the morning may be appealing.
The best time of day to meditate is the time of day that works for your schedule and your level of motivation.
“The best time to meditate is the time that you can actually commit to doing it,” says John Mathews, a licensed clinical social worker from Midlothian, Virginia.
Starting the day off right
Aine Rock, a certified meditation instructor and integrative wellness expert from Los Angeles, California, explains that meditating in the morning sets the tone for the rest of the day. “Morning meditation lays a foundation of calmness and balance for the day ahead,” she says. “It helps in centering the mind, managing stress, and enhancing overall emotional well-being.”
Managing extra-stressful days
Morning meditation may help you manage feelings of worry, anticipation, and anxiety on particularly stressful days. Mathews points out there’s a meditation saying, often attributed to Gandhi, that on the days he is really busy, he meditates for 2 hours in the morning instead of 1. “The point he is making is that meditation can help us prepare for the day, and the days that we may think we have the least time for meditation are perhaps the days we can benefit the most from it.”
Morning peace and quiet
Meditation in the morning can set the stage for your day, but the morning may also set the stage for meditation. According to Caroline Schmidt, a licensed clinical social worker from St. Louis, Missouri, mornings tend to have an innate sense of peace before the hustle and bustle of the day. Your mind is naturally calm from rest, and the world around you is quiet from collective slumber. “Early mornings give an opportunity to have time alone, while everyone else continues to sleep,” she says. “This time can be for you, and you alone. And that’s something that’s pretty rare to experience, in a world that’s ever more connected by technology.”
The research on how long you need to meditate to experience benefits is limited and mixed. Some experts suggest repetition, competence, and consistency are more important than duration.
One study from 2018 found that 13 minutes a day for 8 weeks was enough for most inexperienced meditators to notice positive changes.
Sometimes a few minutes of mediation may be all you need to achieve the right level of focus and clarity to meet a challenge head-on.
“There really isn’t a good or bad amount of time to meditate,” Mathews says. “I advise my clients that even 30 seconds of deliberate meditation can have a benefit.”
Any type of meditation can be a morning meditation.
The practice you decide on should be one that appeals to your goals and your principles. If you aren’t a spiritual person, for example, spiritual-focused meditation may not be for you.
Examples of meditation formats to choose from include:
•mindfulness meditation
•spiritual meditation
•focused meditation
You can slowly incorporate meditation into your day in a way that makes sense and doesn’t feel like a chore.
Rock and Mathews recommend:
•starting with a small time goal of 5–10 minutes
•setting aside time specifically to meditate, if possible, but staying flexible
•exploring different areas of your home or nature for a meditation spot
•trying different meditation practices to find a good fit
The benefits of meditation in the morning have to do with setting your day up for success. Morning is a naturally quiet time, and meditating early can start your day out on a positive, focused note.
There’s no wrong time to meditate, however. Morning may be a great time for meditation, but the “best” time of day for meditation is whenever you’re most likely to seize the opportunity.
Oct 21, 2024 · Meditating first thing in the morning can enhance mental clarity, reduce stress, and improve emotional regulation. Studies show it boosts creativity, and enhances focus. Hence one should start their day with meditation. , Mental Health News - Times Now
- Pallavi Mehra
We all face challenges in the morning. They can get in our way of establishing a regular practice. It takes time to make a good habit and break a bad one. But with a bit of concerted effort, you can establish a morning meditation routine and enjoy self-care that keeps on giving. Enjoy this guided meditation for first thing in the morning
Mar 6, 2012 · First thing in the morning Recommended for: daily meditation practice ... Meditation can help you settle your mind, feel more relaxed, and think clearly about an appropriate next step or action ...
Sep 22, 2022 · Meditation first thing in the morning can be an excellent opportunity to set the tone for the day. During these early morning hours, when work, family, and other commitments haven't yet started vying for your time and attention, you often have the focus and clarity to focus fully on meditating.
People also ask
Should you meditate first thing in the morning?
When is the best time to meditate?
Is meditating in the morning good or bad?
How do I start a morning meditation?
What are the benefits of meditating in the morning?
Jan 16, 2020 · “For some people, this means meditating first thing in the morning as their body is waking up, or around 2 to 3 p.m., which is the period to curve a natural energy slump,” she said.
