Meditation isn’t just for relaxing. Research has shown that it has a lot of health benefits.
So, when is the best time to meditate? We asked experts to share their insights.
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The best time to meditate is in the mid-afternoon
My research has shown that a seven-minute Repose session has a number of benefits, including stress reduction; increased happiness, optimism, and resilience levels; and enhanced memory, attention, and mental acuity.
One of the optimal times for Repose is in the mid-afternoon, between 2 and 3:30 pm. This time period corresponds to a natural lull in our daily arousal levels, which advertisers have referred to as “that 2:30 feeling.” It is also the reason that so many cultures have a rest period or pause immediately following lunch.
For the past five years, I have been encouraging employers to give their staff a seven-minute Repose break in the afternoon. This would increase productivity and elevate morale at relatively little cost to the employer.
The best time to meditate is when you are most likely to practice!
Like learning any skill, meditation takes repeated practice, so it’s important to meditate when you are most likely to fit it into your schedule.
People get the greatest benefit when they can make practicing meditation a habit and for most folks, this means practicing at the same time every day.
Even if you don’t have much time to meditate on any given day, you’re better off practicing for 2 or 3 minutes than not practicing at all. Often people find that associating meditation practice with something they do regularly helps create a meditation habit. Get up. Brush teeth. Meditate.
Many people find that meditating first thing in the morning works well before they get busy with the activities of the day. But, since people’s schedules and preferences are so varied, it’s most important to find a time to meditate that works for you!
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