Is there an ideal time of day for meditation?
Written by
Tran Quang
Reviewed by
Prof. William Dalton, Ph.D.Choosing the ideal meditation time is based on one's own biological rhythms. I have experimented with schedules for many years. Morning practice creates a calm, tranquil mood for the rest of the day. Evening practice helps promote deep, restful sleep. The best choice depends on your own biological energy patterns.
Morning Practice
- Establish calm before daily demands begin
- Use natural light exposure to boost alertness
- Pair with morning beverage routine
Evening Wind-Down
- Release accumulated tension from the day
- Lower lights and reduce stimulation beforehand
- Transition directly into bedtime routine
Energy slumps turn into perfect moments of meditation. Ideal times for mid-afternoon dips. Natural breaks from lunch. I meditate after I finish lunch. You efficiently recharge mental attention. The shorter sessions are just perfect, especially when transitioning into something else.
Consistency is more important than perfect timing; link practice to habits you already have. Meditate right after you brush your teeth or before drinking coffee. I set meditation sessions to pet feeding. You develop automatic patterns of practice, establishing sustainable trends in your practice.
Tune into your body's messages. Be mindful of your natural periods of alertness and fatigue, and honor changes in your energy levels. I modify the meditation sessions to suit the seasons. You adjust your practice as your life changes. Your adaptability is what ensures your meditation practice remains nurturing and not overwhelming.
Read the full article: 10 Meditation Techniques for Beginners
