Archeologists have traced the practice of meditation as far back as 5,000 BCE which proves that it is beneficial to the quality of our lives. You may be wondering the best time to meditate and how you can incorporate this practice into your daily routine. Daily meditation can help to improve your overall mental and physical holistic health.
Meditation is personal which means there is no single time that is better than another to practice. Some people prefer to meditate in the morning when the day is fresh whereas others may prefer to meditate at the end of the day as a way to cleanse themselves from any negative energy before resting.
To learn more about the benefits of meditation and the best times to practice continue reading for enlightening information.
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Meditation – Why You Need It in Your Life
Meditation is the practice of bringing awareness and understanding of yourself and the world around you. It is a way to bring yourself into the present and be mindful of what you are doing at that exact moment.
Meditation is not age or gender-specific. There are meditation for kids, teenagers and adults. Anyone can benefit from the practice of meditation. The key to successful meditation is to stick to it. Incorporate it into your daily routine as you would a workout schedule or any other important aspect of your life.
Don’t Be Too Hard On Yourself
There is a reason it is called the practice of meditation; it takes practice, patience, and the understanding that you may not always be 100% focused and your mind may wander.
There may be days when you feel like you are doing it wrong but if you stick with it through the difficult times you will see how beneficial it can be to your well-being. Meditation is not a competition to become the most enlightened being, it is a way to reflect, assess and decompress. It can help you find your center and enlighten your path to help you make better decisions.
Meditation can help you to see things from a different perspective and understand your feelings better. It can help you to get your day started with a fresh outlook and a can-do attitude. Meditation is beneficial if you need to decompress from a long day or stressful situation.
As previously mentioned, meditation is a personal experience that is different for everyone. What may work for one individual may not work for another. Do what feels right to you. Whatever helps you to focus in the moment is what you need to do.
Having said that, in the next section we will discuss meditating during different times of the day and talk about the different benefits that may come with each time.
Which Time is Better for Meditation, Morning or Night?
As aforementioned, the time of day that is best to meditate can be different for each person. Morning is not necessarily better than nighttime practice and vice versa. Here we will discuss the benefits of meditating during different times of the day.
Benefits of Morning Meditation
The way in which you begin your waking hours can set the mood for the rest of the day. That is why so many people prefer to meditate in the morning when their eyes first greet the light.
Morning meditation is a great way to push aside any fears or anxieties you may be having about the upcoming day as well as a way to calm and focus your mind so you can do your best and have a productive day.
Benefits of Nocturnal Meditation
Equally, there are benefits to meditating in the evening when you get home from a long day at school or work. Meditating at the end of a busy day helps you let go of any negative thoughts or feelings that you may have picked up along the way.
Evening meditation sessions can also help you to reflect on and assess things that occurred during the day so you can deal with them more appropriately with a clear mind.
Meditating at the end of a long day will help you to leave any negativity at the door and allow you to relax and focus on what is important at home.
The Times In Between – Meditation For Decompression
There may be times during the day when you feel yourself getting stressed, overwhelmed, or perhaps a little run down. Especially during the mid-afternoon slump that tends to occur between 2 pm and 4 pm for most people.
Doing a quick five or ten-minute meditation session can rejuvenate you and give you the energy boost you need to make it through the rest of your day. Sometimes a short session can really make a difference in the outcome of your day and how you react to the situations that are presented to you.
Meditation Before Bedtime – Is It a Good Idea?
Experts recommend that you do not meditate before you go to bed for the reason that your body and mind may begin to relate mediation with relaxation in a sleepy way which means if you choose to meditate during other times of the day you may end up like Rip Van Winkle and take an unplanned nap.
If you have a difficult time falling asleep there are meditation exercises that you can do to relax your mind however to avoid the previously mentioned issue of unplanned naps it can behoove you to have a different meditation routine for bedtime than during your waking hours.
Continue reading for some information that may help you with your meditation journey.
Tips and Tricks to Successful Meditation Sessions
If you are just beginning your meditation journey it can be overwhelming at times and you may feel as though you are not doing it right or not leaving your session feeling as enlightened as you expected.
This is normal and it is okay. As discussed earlier, meditation is a personal journey and everyone will embark on that journey differently. Don’t be too quick to give up on the concept of meditation when you first begin.
Even if you don’t feel like you accomplished anything during a particular session, keep going. It will become easier as you find ways to guide your focus inward and block out what is happening around you.
Start with smaller sessions or simple breathing exercises rather than trying to commit to a long session. The more you meditate the easier and more natural it will become and the longer your sessions can be if so needed. Some days you may feel the need to meditate longer than others. Do what feels right for you and don’t force it.
Meditation Works With Any Schedule If You Make the Time
The great thing about meditation is that it can be done by anyone, anywhere. Remember that the more you practice the more meditation can benefit your overall life. Being at peace with yourself will help you to be a more mindful person who can handle any situation or challenge that may cross your path. Begin your meditation journey today and see how your life can change for the good.