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Meditation originated thousands of years ago and is one of the most sought-after wellness practices today. Thanks to all the research findings, we now know that meditation can have an incredible impact on our bodies and mind- reduce our biological age, promote healing, reduce anxiety, improve brain coherence, improve sleep, and much more. Whether you are a beginner or have been practicing meditation for a long time, you may wonder about the best time to meditate to gauge maximum benefit.
Since meditation is the practice of detaching yourself from the monkey mind, it can be practiced at any time of the day, leading to similar benefits. The best time to meditate for you is based on your daily schedule and priorities. However, certain times of the day can help you get into the meditative stage more quickly than other times of the day.
Brahma Muhurta (Pre-Dawn): Be the Creator
Brahma Muhrut is a Sanskrit word that means ‘The Creator’s time’, the time to transform yourself at ease. It is the time to create yourself into what you want to be. The position of the sun and moon at this time of the day create the most conducive environment to keep your mind and body at peace. It is more likely that you will not remember your stressful moments, or the hustle of busy life, making it the best time to meditate. What are the benefits of meditating at this hour?
- Since the world is fast asleep, there are almost no chances of you being disturbed by calls, texts, or even a person.
- Thoughts of the day’s routine, to-do lists, and anxiety are farther away than at any other time of the day, making it the perfect time to sit down and meditate.
- The positive natural energies of the universe are at their peak, encouraging spiritual practices.
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Brahma Muhruta begins one hour and 36 minutes before sunrise and ends 48 minutes before it. Does that sound too early for you? Hang on with us to check out why it is the best time to meditate and decide for yourself.
The pineal gland, also described as the “Seat of the Soul” by Renee Descartes, is the most active during Brahma Muhurata. It produces maximum natural melatonin at this time of the day, a hormone responsible for calming the mind. This means that your otherwise monkey mind will have minimal thoughts and be more inclined within. As a result, you can reach your deep meditative stage much more effortlessly and be more receptive to learning and wisdom from the higher self. Simply sitting in the meditative state at this time can expand your memory, especially spatial memory and visuospatial skills. If you are stuck with a challenging life issue or a complicated professional dilemma, you may be surprised by the innovative solution you would come up with at this time. Inspiration, problem-solving abilities, creativity, and peace manifest at this time.
Not just that, the presence of nascent oxygen during Brahma Muhruta helps you boost immunity, increase your energy levels, and even help relieve pain. So simply waking up at this time every day can set you up for a long, healthy life.
Tips to train yourself to wake up early
- One of the no-brainers for waking up early means going to bed early. Don’t plan for busy evenings, and try to wrap up your day to ensure you get enough sleep.
- Prefer having a wholesome early dinner and include easy-to-digest food choices. Refrain from consuming caffeine within 6 hours of bedtime.
- Reduce screen time and exposure to blue light in the evening hours and just before bedtime.
- Stay consistent with your routine of bedtime and time to wake up.
- Keep your alarm clock or phone away from your reach, making it more challenging for you to hit the snooze button.
The time you start your day
When is the best time to meditate if pre-dawn seems like an impossible time to wake up? If you are a beginner, meditating at 4 in the morning may sound challenging. When waking up at pre-dawn seems difficult, consider meditation as the first to-do thing at the beginning of your day. You tend to feel more awake and fresh during that time and are less likely to doze off.
Making meditation your priority makes you more likely to adopt it as a habit! A few minutes of committed intentional breathing or following a guided meditation can prime your mind for a focused, productive start. You are then charged with newfound clarity and ready to act and respond from the space of peace, regardless of what comes your way. According to many studies, morning meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety throughout the day, giving you an extra edge over others.
Find the time that works for you
Do you have an extremely busy schedule? Are your mornings packed with exercise routines, household chores, or business meetings? The good news is the best time to meditate is the time that works for you- practically throughout the day.
Afternoon meditation: If you have a busy or stressful work life, meditation during the lunch break can offer the much-needed break to let go of all the negative emotions and bring in your calmness and focused attention. You can try numerous meditative states in the middle of your day- Share positive vibrations with your co-workers, boss, and even your workstation. If you do not find a good place to meditate during work hours, take a walk while being mindful of your thoughts, or practice gratitude by thanking the great things from the day gone by.
Meditation after a workout: Are your long workouts making you stiff? The best time to meditate is when you combine meditation with your day’s routine, one of which is daily exercise or yoga. Several studies have proved that meditating after a workout activates the part of the brain which acts as a pain receptor, reducing physical stress. Regularly practicing meditation and breathing exercises helps manage chronic pain and increase your stamina. Additionally, according to the PLOS Journal, meditation and exercise, put together, activate the orbitofrontal cortex of the brain, which is involved in emotional reactions and motivational behavior, resulting in mental refreshment.
Meditation during stressful times: It seems obvious to mention that meditation is a handy practice immediately after a stressful event or when you are about to face one. Many meditation practices, including mindfulness meditation, help your brain to focus on the present moment, just when you need it most. So, whenever you sense entering into an unending loop of negative thoughts during the day, hit a reset button with meditation. Try meditation just before your important meeting, during a panic attack, or while handling relationship issues.
Meditation at night: What is a better way to close your day than releasing all those unwanted thoughts? The best time to meditate is when you settle down with no follow-up routines. If you have insomnia or anxiety issues, meditation in bed is made just for you. Studies show that meditation reduces cortisol and increases melatonin, thus reducing sleep and gaining more restful sleep.
Consistent time daily is the best time to meditate
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Did you know that you have the power to condition your brain and specific location with positive energies? If you meditate at 6 AM every day for months, you have trained your mind to enter a meditative state at 6 AM. That means you are more likely to enter deep meditation, let go of stress, focus on breathing, and manage the random chattering of your brain much more efficiently at 6 AM than at any other time of the day. What’s more? If you practice meditation at a particular location consistently, you energize the place with positive, peaceful vibrations! Practice meditation at the same time and at the same place, and you have created a conducive environment for practicing it.
