In our fast-paced world, where life’s demands often seem relentless, meditation has emerged as a lifeline to mental clarity and emotional balance. It helps us slow down, quiet our thoughts and help us enjoy the bliss of mindfulness. However, choosing the right time of day to meditate and understanding the ideal duration are crucial to reaping the full benefits of this age-old practice. Let us tell you about the benefits of morning meditation.
Health Shots reached out to Jaisleen Kaur, Image Consultant, Soft Skills Trainer and life Coach, Dehradun, to understand what makes morning the best time to meditate.
Benefits of morning meditation
Morning meditation has been praised for centuries, and for good reason. It offers several unique benefits that can set the tone for the rest of your day.
1. Quiet start to the day
“Mornings are generally quieter and provide a serene environment conducive to meditation. It is a time when the world wakes up and you can use the silence for introspection,” says the expert. Morning meditation helps calm the mind, helps manage stress and contributes to overall well-being. It also lays the foundation for bringing a sense of calm and balance for the day ahead.
2. Improved focus
Most tasks throughout the day, whether running errands or taking on challenges at the workplace or at home, require you to put on multiple hats at once. Meditating in the morning sharpens your focus and concentration, making it easier to tackle the day’s tasks with a clear mind.
3. Stress reduction
Stress has become part of our daily lives and thanks to technology and so much information, it has become difficult to stay calm. “Morning meditation reduces levels of stress and anxiety, making it seamless to deal with challenges with a calm attitude,” says Kaur.
4. Consistency
“Setting up a morning meditation routine can be easier to maintain because there are fewer external distractions,” the expert suggests. The morning is the best time to build good habits, and mediation is one of them.
How long should you meditate?
The ideal duration of meditation is different for every person. It’s more about the quality of your practice than the amount of time you spend. Here are some guidelines:
1. Beginners
Start with 5-10 minutes. You can then slowly increase the duration as you become proficient with the exercise.
2. Regular practitioners
Aim for 20-30 minutes. This provides plenty of time to dive deep into your meditation and experience its benefits.
3. Advanced meditators
You can meditate for 45 minutes to an hour or more. Advanced practitioners often find longer sessions very rewarding.
Tips to start your meditation practice
If you’re new to meditation, it may seem intimidating to start this journey. Here are some valuable tips to help you with your meditation practice, given by the expert.
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1. Create a special space
Find a quiet, tidy place in your home to meditate. This will serve as your refuge for inner peace.
2. Consistency is key
Maintain a regular schedule. Whether it’s morning, afternoon or evening, consistency is key to manifesting the benefits of meditation.
3. Guided meditation
Start with guided meditations. Many apps and online resources offer guided sessions to help you get started.
4. Focus on your breathing
Bring your concentration to your breath as it flows in and out. This is a simple and effective way to start meditation.
5. Be patient
Understand that meditation is a form of skill and practice that takes time to develop. Do not be discouraged by a wandering mind; Gently guide your focus back to your breathing or chosen concentration point.
6. Seek support
Consider joining a meditation group or connecting with a meditation teacher. You can access the right guidance, support and a sense of community.
Meditation is a personal journey and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you choose the tranquility of the morning, the serenity of the evening or a moment in between, the key is to make it a regular part of your life. As you delve deeper into your practice, you will discover the multitude of benefits it has to offer, from reduced stress to increased self-awareness.