When Should I Meditate?
The beautiful thing about meditation is that it can really eb and flow depending on the phase of life that you’re in.
For years I meditated almost exclusively in the morning. For a while I even tried the whole ‘4:30am Vipassana’ thing. Then, during a time where all of my physical presence was required in my home, that changed to (quite frankly) whenever I could steal a few minutes to myself and get it done.
In the spirit of change, I’ve recently found a love of meditating at dusk. I sit as the sun is slowly dropping down so that by the time I’ve finished the sun has set and I’m left with gorgeous hues of coloured light. I’ve noticed this to be when I feel the deepest sense of release. And when I feel most inspired to write, process, and connect to calm.
It’s just a really peaceful time. Dissolving anxieties somehow feels easier. The fears, worries, stressors, and insecurities you’ve picked up throughout the day melt. There’s stillness. It’s quiet. A kind of sinking in towards yourself for comfort. From my experience at least, this is what meditating at sunset has brought.
While this may not be the most exciting answer, there really is no right or wrong time to meditate. It’s all up to you and what you’re currently seeking.
Here are the benefits of meditating at various times…
mornings
Are great for setting the tone of your day
Primes the parasympathetic nervous system for calm
Creates a foundation of stillness & silence
Prepares you to respond, rather than react
Supports the amygdala, otherwise known as the ‘fear’ center of the brain to reduce anxiety
Provides clarity and better focus for tasks of the day
Try: Guided morning meditations with an intention setting focus and use of mantra
afternoons & evenings
Are great for letting go of stress
Acts as a bookend, closing the chapter on your day
Gives space for emotional release
Fosters creativity and strengthens intuition
Resets your energy
Takes the body out of ‘fight or flight’ and into ‘rest & digest’
Try: Silent mindfulness meditations. Just a gentle focus on you and your breath in a quiet space
night time & before bed
Is great for better sleep
Optimal for deep sleep and restoration
Triggers ‘Alpha’ brain waves which are associated with rest
Helps the mind wind down and settles the tendency to overthink
Improves insomnia and sleeping disorders
Try: Guided body scan meditations
Additional tips
RPM : rise, pee, meditate (for the mornings)
RAW: right after work (for the afternoons)
As taught to me by my meditation teacher, davidji
When is your favourite time to meditate? Let me know in the comment section below. xx