Is there an ideal time to meditate, and what would the different benefits be?

The great thing about mindful meditation is that it can be done anywhere at any time. But are the benefits the same if you do it at different times? And what time is best for you? The most popular times to meditate are usually in the morning, midway through the day, or in the evening.

Meditating in the morning can help set you up for the day ahead. Try adding it to your morning routine or before starting work. Morning meditation can focus your mind, so you start the day on a clean slate, with confidence and clarity, feeling positive. You’ll be able to cope with anything that crops up more logically and be more accepting of things. You may think more clearly and have better ideas. You’ll not be worrying about things so much and be less anxious.

Meditating during the day can help to give you a boost. Refresh and re-energise your mind and body - it will reset your brain and refocus you. It could help increase your creativity and productivity. Clear away any negative or troublesome thoughts and feelings. Release some of those monkeys who have been gradually building up their chatter. Digestion can also be improved (although best not to meditate when hungry or straight after eating, leave a little time before or after your food).

Meditating in the evening can help you wind down at the end of the day. Try adding it to your evening wind down routine. You’ll slow your mind and the chatter of the monkeys in there, releasing tension and creating relaxation. Clear the lingering thoughts from the day. The more relaxed you are the better you will sleep at night. A relaxed mind is a relaxed body, and whilst you sleep your hormones won’t be inhibited or confused, they’ll be able to work efficiently so you wake up feeling better. Better sleep also means your brain will be able to better do its job of problem solving and memory consolidation, and restore and rebuild itself and the body more effectively.

Anywhere between five and twenty minutes of meditation can be beneficial. To get the most from your practice, ask yourself what you want to achieve from it? You can then decide when would be the best time to practice. You may need to take a few weeks trying out different times to see which works best for you. It’s a very personal thing, and everybody will have different goals and preferences, which is fine. Do what’s best for you!

If you’re interested in learning the technique of mindful meditation, it’s benefits, when to do it, and why, get in touch to discuss booking a 1:1 course or workshop.

Visit www.gemmataylorhealthfitness.co.uk/meditation-course for more information.