Haven Yoga Meditation explains the best times of day to practice meditation.
Finding the time to meditate can seem impossible some days, but if you find just 5 to 10 minutes each day, the health benefits are clear. As providers of meditation classes here in Brisbane, we explain the best times of day to practice meditation, and the key benefits of these different times.
The Benefits of Morning Meditation
If you have time to spare before your day begins, why not make a positive start by meditating? Meditating and calm focused breathing in the morning can reduce stress and anxiety throughout the day and can also aid in your digestion. Deep meditative breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) which in turn, aids digestion. Also, people who meditate regularly have higher levels of the happy hormones serotonin and endorphins, which boost positivity and relieve pain and stress. Meditation also boosts two critical chemicals* Growth Hormone (GH) and DHEA. DHEA can boost energy levels while GH reduces fatigue and increases motivation. Overall, morning meditation allows you to make a positive, healthy start to your day and can promote productivity, creativity, and inspiration.
The Benefits of Evening Meditation
If you aren’t an early riser and would prefer to stay in bed for as long as possible, you can meditate before you go to bed at night instead. Evening meditation can improve the quality and duration of your sleep, as studies show that meditation is linked to higher levels of melatonin. Evening meditation can also soothe stress that may arise during the day and calm the mind. It produces a deep state of relaxation, which can help over time to reduce the risks of health problems associated with chronic stress. Evening meditation (including our meditation classes) is a great way to relax and reflect on what occurred during the day, with the added bonus of calming the mind in preparation for deep sleep.
Meditation to Break Up Your Day
If neither one of these times suits your schedule, why not opt to meditate around midday? Meditation can help loosen stiff muscles, especially if you’ve been sitting at a desk all morning! When meditating, you are in a state of complete rest in which your body can heal and renew itself. Midday meditation can relieve stress, boost energy, and refocus your mind to increase productivity for the afternoon and evening. According to Harvard**, almost half the time our minds are lost in thought, however, meditation can increase focus and concentration while boosting memory and attention span.
Developing a Routine
When you begin developing a routine for meditation, it’s best to start small. As a beginner try to sit for just 5 minutes without becoming distracted, then build this time up gradually. Also, experimenting with the time you choose to meditate can be beneficial in finding what best fits your schedule and body constitution.
*Study – Meditation For Increased Energy: How & Why It Works
