Some swear by meditating in the morning just once while others do it when they think they need it. There is no answer in a handbook as to how many times a day you should meditate.
The same goes for how long you should meditate and when you should do it. As long as it works to promote mindfulness and train your mind to become increasingly aware during the day then stick to your routine.
In this post, we will look at how many times a day you should meditate, (see also: Can You Meditate Too Much?)as well as how long you should meditate for, and when you should do it.
The Optimum Times You Should Meditate Every Day
To be honest, there is no strict guidance about how many times you should meditate each and every day. It’s up to you to find the most benefit out of your meditation(see also: How To Meditate With Amethyst).
That could be allocating the time at the start of the day to set you up for the hours ahead. However, you may benefit more from a single session in the evening to help you rest before you go to bed.
Should you be overthinking certain aspects of your life or going through a stressful period, you may benefit from more than one session a day.
Try one session in the morning, after which you should set yourself up for the day ahead and that can help keep the stress at bay.
If you want to maintain your mind’s calmness then factor in another session at a time later in the day. Make sure that this other session fits into your schedule so it does not make you even more stressed.
Try not to force your meditation as it is simply for your own benefit. If you become too regimented, or overdo it, you may be going beyond your limits. Find the time for your meditation and make it work for you.
How Long You Should Meditate For
Again, there is no strict guideline for how long you should meditate for either. There are dedicated meditation programs to deal with certain conditions including mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and anxiety.
Certain programs can contain 45-minute-long sessions that you commit to every day and the program lasts for around eight weeks. Upon completion of the program, you should find that your anxiety and overall stress are reduced.
If you know why you are meditating then you may have a better idea of how long you should meditate for. That could be a tailored program dedicated to a certain condition.
Indeed, studies have shown that an MBSR program should have a tangible effect on stress. The program should also combat the effects of anxiety, depression, and even burnout.
Try to commit to a daily routine of meditation and you should know what durations you can grow accustomed to. That could be a dedicated 45 minutes on a specific program or a quick ten-minute meditation in the morning or one at night.
When You Should Meditate
Find a time that suits you for your meditation which could depend on a range of factors. That could include your daily routine as you may need to fit in a bout of exercise or leave the house at a certain time.
Ensure that the time you choose to meditate is when you feel at your most receptive as it may not work if you feel distracted. Try to allocate a specific time slot so that your daily meditation becomes part of your routine.
Meditating in the morning may be best as it is a good start to the day. Practicing your meditation in the morning also means that, once you have meditated, you can get going on the rest of your day.
You should feel mindful as your self-care has already been demonstrated. Many also find that their daily routine is maintained, as long as their meditation forms part of it.
However, if you can expect a busy morning then this may not be ideal for your meditation. You may feel overwhelmed with everything that is going on so schedule it in for the afternoon or during the night when it may be quieter.
There may be an extra benefit as you can take in your day and focus on it during your meditation. Above all, try some different times of the day and you should be able to find out which time works best for you.
Final Thoughts
A lot of people find that they gain the most benefit by meditating at least once a day. Even that single practice of meditation should be enough, if they remain consistent with it.
Those that meditate daily as part of their routine and more than likely to commit to it. With regular meditation, it can become as crucial and an important part of your daily routine as breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should Just Ten Minutes Of Meditation Be Enough?
The duration of your meditation depends on what you aim to achieve with your meditation. If you feel calmer and more mindful after just ten minutes of meditation then that’s enough.
Your meditation style is also important as you could be looking to include breathing techniques and break down certain conditions. If these include depression and anxiety then meditating for up to 45 minutes may be the optimum period of time.
How Long Should Beginners Spend On Meditation?
Those that are learning to meditate should start with just five minutes a day. That’s a good starting point to mindfulness and, from there, more complex techniques can be tried.
Fitting in five minutes into your daily routine may be quite straightforward but as you go forward, you may want to dedicate more time. If you want to commit more to your meditation then incorporate more breathing experiences and give yourself a bigger timeslot.
Hi, my name is Lois Whitlock, and I am passionate about ensuring that our mental, physical, and spiritual health is cared for at all times. I’ve worked as a Chakra Healer for about 7 years, and have always had an interest in holistic health.
I am a strong believer that we are in control of our spiritual path, and can utilize the great healing power of crystals and our chakras to find peace and serenity in life. I have been practicing meditation for as long as I can remember, using crystals for every occasion.
